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Experimental Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Pilot IV

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot. * Perform as Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner. * Perform as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles. * Develops and ...

What You Will Be Doing As the Test Pilot your responsibilities will include: • Plan, develop, and execute experimental test flights on C-130J, C-5M, and other AMMM aircraft to verify airworthiness ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

... experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

... experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

... experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

Piloting multiple experimental aircraft as well as chase, pace, photo, and target aircraft. * Writing detailed flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports. * Leading ...

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Experimental Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do experimental test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for experimental test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are experimental test pilots?

Experimental test pilots are highly trained aviators who fly new or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, safety, and handling characteristics. Their work involves pushing aircraft to their limits to identify potential issues and ensure compliance with design specifications and safety regulations. These pilots often collaborate closely with engineers and designers, providing feedback that is crucial for improving aircraft design and functionality. The role requires advanced flying skills, a strong technical background, and a keen understanding of aeronautical engineering.

What is the difference between Experimental Test Pilot vs Test Pilot?

AspectExperimental Test PilotTest Pilot
CredentialsFAA pilot certifications, engineering background often preferredFAA pilot certifications, often with additional ratings
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aircraft development, test rangesOperational aircraft, flight testing, military or civilian settings
Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, government agencies, research institutionsAirlines, military, private aviation

Experimental Test Pilots focus on testing new or modified aircraft in controlled environments, often requiring engineering knowledge. Test Pilots perform flight testing to evaluate aircraft performance, safety, and handling, typically in operational settings. Both roles require specialized certifications, but Experimental Test Pilots usually have a stronger engineering background and work in research environments, while Test Pilots are more involved in operational flight testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Experimental Test Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Experimental Test Pilot, you need an advanced pilot license, extensive flight experience, a solid background in aeronautical engineering, and often a military test pilot school qualification. Familiarity with specialized avionics, flight data recording systems, and simulation tools is crucial for evaluating new or modified aircraft. Exceptional analytical thinking, risk management, and clear communication skills enable pilots to handle unexpected challenges and accurately report findings. These competencies ensure the safe and effective testing of aircraft, contributing to aviation innovation and safety advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by Experimental Test Pilots during flight testing?

Experimental Test Pilots often encounter unique challenges, such as managing unexpected aircraft behaviors, rapidly adapting to evolving test parameters, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols in unproven flight conditions. They must communicate effectively with engineers and ground crews to interpret data and provide actionable feedback after each test flight. The role demands a high level of technical knowledge, quick decision-making, and a disciplined approach to risk management, as pilots may be operating aircraft with new or modified systems that have not been fully validated.
More about Experimental Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Experimental Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Experimental Test Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Experimental Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Experimental Test Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Experimental Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Experimental Test Pilot, Air Dominance & Strike

Anduril-1

Victorville, CA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Experimental Test Pilot, Air Dominance & Strike

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built, and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI‑powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a real‑time, 3D command and control center.

Responsibilities
  • As a Test Pilot for the Fury developmental aircraft system you will be involved in Design Reviews and working groups.
  • As an experimental test pilot, you will often push the boundaries of what is considered safe or normal flight.
  • You will help develop system test procedures and be directly involved in laboratory environment and surrogate open‑air environment testing.
  • You will be expected to perform as a guiding member within the Test and Evaluation team and regularly interface with the Director of Flight Operations, Head of Test, Chief Engineer, Lead Flight Test Engineer, and customer representatives.
  • You are directly responsible for the safe flight of the aircraft and will hold an advisory position on various safety reviews, design reviews, and Airworthiness reviews.
  • You will be directly involved with ground and flight testing of developmental aircraft to determine compliance with specification, validation of Airworthiness and operational suitability.
  • You will work side‑by‑side with the Flight Test Engineers and Discipline Engineers to develop safe, effective and efficient test procedures, evaluate system and test safety, and verify the functional design of the system.
  • You will be expected to participate in flight operations efforts and support the direction of the flight test program.
  • You will work with other test pilots to approve cockpit configuration, author flight procedures, develop and verify emergency procedures, and be directly involved with test team and control room training.
  • In preparation for ground and flight testing you will be a reviewer of test procedures, flight test plans, flight test cards, operating limitations, flight test schedules, flight test support documents, and ground handling documents.
  • You will attend system design and configuration control meetings and provide input to work through and decide on opening or closure/solutions for change requests. You will use your knowledge of the total system design and program requirements to determine change priority, timeline and test verification requirements leading up to software releases and aircraft block changes.
  • Faced with technical and execution challenges, you will be expected to develop creative solutions to unique problems. You will be biased for action — you are empowered to engage your team to solve and fix any problem you encounter.
Required Qualifications
  • Graduate of a U.S. military test pilot school (TPS), or meet DCMAINST 8210.1 series alternate education and experience qualifications for contractor UA pilot/operator
  • 10+ years flight test experience, including first flight of new aircraft and envelope expansion.
  • 1,000 hours Pilot‑in‑Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • Qualifying hours must include 200 hours of Pilot‑in‑Command time during engineering flight test, and 10 hours during experimental flight test.
  • Commercial pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • FAA Class 2 Medical, maintained annually
  • Ability to travel as required to support off‑site aircraft testing.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with emphasis on technical subjects and the authoring of numerous technical documents which support the safe operation of the aircraft.
  • Experience providing direct support authoring flight manuals and technical documentation necessary to operate developmental aircraft, and delivering configuration controlled publications to the customer.
  • Specialized training and experience in flying and evaluating new or significantly modified aircraft, systems, or technologies.
  • Strong computer and technical software experience (JIRA, MS Office, Jama, and Nominal).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks.
  • Able to work extended and irregular hours.
  • Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 15+ years experience as a test pilot working with developmental aircraft
  • 2,000 hours Pilot‑in‑Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • US Military Weapons School Graduate
  • ATP certificate with Class 1 medical.
  • Masters in Aerospace Engineering, or engineering related technical discipline
  • Previous experience as PIC of high performance turbine aircraft, especially tactical military aircraft.
  • Previous experience as a Test Pilot on a manned or large UAS aircraft
  • First flight experience on a developmental manned or large UAS aircraft
  • Certified Flight Instructor / Instrument
Salary

$146,000 - $194,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Security Clearance

This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.

Export Controls

This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls.

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