1

Experimental Test Pilot Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Directly relevant experience as an Army Aviation flight test engineer, Experimental Test Pilot, or operational pilot (Green Suiter) on Chinook, Blackhawk, Apache, or Fixed Wing platforms. * Directly ...

Work as part of a diverse team of contractor, military, and civilian experimental test pilots and engineers. * Provide technical expertise with regard to the method of test that will best achieve the ...

Work as part of a diverse team of contractor, military, and civilian experimental test pilots and engineers. * Provide technical expertise with regard to the method of test that will best achieve the ...

Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process ... Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes. * Recommends ...

Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process ... Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes. * Recommends ...

Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process ... Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes. * Recommends ...

Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process ... Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes. * Recommends ...

New Car Model Engineer

Selma, AL ยท On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Conduct testing, experimentation, and validation activities on new and existing product designs to ... Coordinate prototype builds, pilot runs, and production launches to ensure the successful ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Experimental Test Pilot information

See Alabama salary details

$73.9K

$95.3K

$159.5K

How much do experimental test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for experimental test pilot in Alabama is $95,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an experimental test pilot?

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

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.

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 popular job titles related to Experimental Test Pilot jobs in Alabama?

For Experimental Test Pilot jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Experimental Test Pilot job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,270 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Avion Solutions
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Avion Solutions Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking candidates for a Test Engineer to support the Cargo Project Office. This position is located in Huntsville, AL.

Job Responsibilities/Duties:

  • Serve as the Test Analyst/Engineer for the Cargo PM, focused on implementing testing disciplines within the Cargo Technical Management Division (TMD) throughout the acquisition life cycle.

  • Work closely with the Development/Modernization Team, Production Team, and International Team to execute a wide range of testing and evaluation activities. These activities ensure systems meet cost, schedule, performance, safety, and mission requirements across Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).

  • Collaborate across programs and development teams to define and refine testing requirements, validate hardware and software performance against technical requirements, and verify that production-representative units comply with specifications.

  • May also use virtual models to estimate performance prior to physical prototype availability.

  • Serve as a lead and participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).

  • Prepare and deliver test plans and reports, track performance, report status, develop schedules, estimate and establish test budgets, and prepare Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) test estimates.

  • Participate in funding and financial meetings to ensure adequate resourcing of all testing activities.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

  • BS in Engineering.

  • Minimum of 17 years of experience.

  • Directly relevant work experience in Army Aviation component, system, and flight testing involving Chinook, Blackhawk, Apache, or Fixed Wing aircraft platforms.

  • Directly relevant experience as an Army Aviation flight test engineer, Experimental Test Pilot, or operational pilot (Green Suiter) on Chinook, Blackhawk, Apache, or Fixed Wing platforms.

  • Directly relevant experience as a Developmental Test Engineer supporting Army Aviation platforms, including Chinook, Blackhawk, Apache, or Fixed Wing aircraft.

  • Directly relevant Operational Testing experience with Army Aviation platforms.

  • Directly relevant Live Fire testing experience on Army Aviation platforms.

  • Experience contributing to the development, writing, and updating of Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs) and/or Test and Evaluation Strategies (TES).

  • Familiarity with test programs conducted under Oversight Authority within the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War.

  • Experience with Army Aviation components, systems, and platforms that require flight qualification, including familiarity with the Airworthiness process.

  • Familiarity with Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) testing.

  • Familiarity with Environmental testing in accordance with MIL-STD-810H.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain/maintain a DoW security clearance.

  • Must be able to travel up to 15% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience across multiple Army Aviation platforms, test domains, or acquisition life‑cycle phases.

  • Prior leadership experience in IPTs, strong communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work across diverse engineering and program teams.

  • Experience with virtual modeling for test planning or performance prediction.

Equal Opportunity: Avion Solutions, Inc. reaffirms its belief in equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Avion Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA-governed Federal Contractor that affords equal employment opportunity to protected veterans and people with disabilities. Avion Solutions, Inc. provides all employees and job applicants equal employment opportunities in hiring and promotion without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, color, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, national origin, or any other reason prohibited by law.