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Engineering Test Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology ... Graduate of a military Experimental Test Pilot School or FAA Flight Analyst DER. * Experience with ...

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology ... Graduate of a military Experimental Test Pilot School or FAA Flight Analyst DER. * Experience with ...

Support program management, test management and systems engineering for F-16 OFP software ... Military Test Pilot with multi-disciplinary expertise in program management, test management ...

Provide flight test engineering expertise to U.S. Air Force and Space Force customers for advanced ... Even better if you have these desired skills: • Graduate of military test pilot school (USAF, USN ...

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test ... Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations * Hands-on experience ...

Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test ... Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations * Hands-on experience ...

Test Engineer

Akron, OH · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test ... Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations * Hands-on experience ...

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Engineering Test Pilot information

What is an engineering test pilot?

Engineering test pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying prototype, experimental, or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, handling, and safety. They work closely with aircraft engineers and designers to collect data, identify issues, and provide feedback that informs design improvements. Their role is critical in the development and certification of new or updated aircraft, ensuring they meet regulatory and safety standards. Engineering test pilots must have advanced flying skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to assess complex systems under various flight conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering test pilot?

To thrive as an Engineering Test Pilot, you need an advanced pilot license (often ATP or military equivalent), a strong engineering or aeronautical background, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data analysis software, and certification processes such as FAA or EASA regulations is crucial. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and risk management skills set top candidates apart in this high-stakes field. These abilities are essential for safely conducting test flights, accurately evaluating aircraft performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance aerospace innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by engineering test pilots during flight testing, and how are they addressed?

Engineering Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as unexpected aircraft behavior, rapidly changing test parameters, and the need to communicate complex technical feedback to engineers. To address these challenges, they follow strict safety protocols, participate in extensive pre-flight briefings, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to anticipate and mitigate risks. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help test pilots prepare for a range of scenarios, ensuring that data collected is accurate and safety is maintained throughout the testing process.

What is the difference between Engineering Test Pilot vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectEngineering Test PilotFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsPilot certifications, engineering backgroundEngineering degree, flight testing experience
Work EnvironmentIn-flight testing, aircraft operationGround testing, data analysis
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, aircraft developmentAerospace, aircraft certification

Engineering Test Pilots primarily operate aircraft during flight tests, combining piloting skills with engineering knowledge. Flight Test Engineers focus on planning, data collection, and analysis during testing, often working on the ground. Both roles are essential in aerospace development but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

Do engineering test pilots get paid well?

Engineering test pilots typically earn high salaries due to the specialized skills, extensive training, and safety responsibilities involved. Compensation can vary based on experience, employer, and location but generally includes competitive pay, benefits, and allowances for working in demanding environments. Experienced test pilots often earn six-figure salaries.

How much does an engineering test pilot earn?

Engineering test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Senior or specialized test pilots working for major aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with additional benefits.

How to become an engineering test pilot?

To become an engineering test pilot, candidates typically need a background as a licensed pilot with extensive flight experience, often in military or civilian aviation. They usually hold an engineering degree or have technical expertise related to aircraft systems and undergo specialized training in aircraft testing and safety protocols. Certification from agencies like the FAA or equivalent is also essential, along with experience in high-performance aircraft and strong problem-solving skills.
Infographic showing various Engineering Test Pilot job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution.

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH • On-site


Sierra Nevada Corporation
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.
SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.
Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Principal Test Engineer, you will offer mentorship to test engineers and serve as a technical subject matter expert for test events and documentation peer reviews. You will spearhead complex testing initiatives, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance.
Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles.
The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.
Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead strategic planning for testing initiatives and projects.
  • Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies and processes.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to test engineering teams.
  • Oversee the execution of the most critical and complex testing projects.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive testing excellence.
  • Ensure that the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations, to conduct tests safely and effectively.

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field.
  • 14+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Extensive experience in advanced testing principles and methodologies.
  • Thorough understanding and ability to interpret engineering principles and practices.
  • Progressive Experience leading in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
  • Advanced Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
  • Demonstrated expertise planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Test Pilot School or National Test Pilot School, etc.
  • Recognized contributions to the field of test engineering.
  • Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing.
  • Extensive experience authoring complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements.
  • Experience Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
  • Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e. FAA, NASA, DoD).
  • Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards.
  • Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.
  • Extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.


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