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Experimental Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable Robotics. You will have a senior leadership role at the company, reporting directly to the Director of ...

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable Robotics. You will have a senior leadership role at the company, reporting directly to the Director of ...

As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to ... You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for experimental and developmental ...

Lead Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will ...

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will ...

We are Lockheed Martin You will be a Test Pilot for the Flight Operations team. Lockheed Martin ... Fly missions such as experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support ...

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will ...

UAS Test Pilot

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

The UAS Test Pilot will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and ... Preferably in experimental UAS development, and proficient in piloting various drone models with a ...

The UAS Test Pilot will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and ... Preferably in experimental UAS development, and proficient in piloting various drone models with a ...

UAS Test Pilot

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

The UAS Test Pilot will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and ... Preferably in experimental UAS development, and proficient in piloting various drone models with a ...

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Experimental Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do experimental test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Chief Test Pilot

$190K - $260K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable Robotics. You will have a senior leadership role at the company, reporting directly to the Director of Flight Operations. You will work in a highly collaborative environment and coordinate with multiple engineering teams across the company to develop and execute flight test plans.

Responsibilities

In your role as Chief Test Pilot, you will serve as the primary experimental test pilot and coordinate the training and scheduling of all contract pilots. You will ensure that all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will coordinate with Reliable's Part 135 airline operations to support standardization of pilot procedures across the organization and help to develop an aviation safety system.

Basic Success Criteria

  • FAA Commercial Pilot ASEL with 1500 total flight hours, including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine, 500 XC, 100 NT, 75 INST

  • At least 20 flight hours within the last 12 months in a similar category aircraft to the Caravan

  • Experience in tactical aircraft or similar operation requiring use of a secondary skillset while piloting

  • Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher

  • 8+ years of professional experience in flight operations

  • 2+ years of experience performing or managing a flight test program or in a leadership role within an aviation context

Preferred Criteria

  • Graduate of an SETP recognized flight test school

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline or equivalent industry experience Caravan or PT6A experience

  • Diversity of experience in multiple aircraft/ airframes2+ years experience as a CFI or military flight instructor2+ years experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)

  • Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on Certification

  • Experience in developing flight procedures, training curricula, and safety management systems

  • Experience flying for a 14 CFR part 135 or 121 Air Carrier

  • Deep understanding of FAA certification processes and their implementationIn depth knowledge of systems engineering processes and principles

  • Basic familiarity with software programming principlesDemonstrated ability to lead a team with little to no supervision

Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

Compensation Range: $190K - $260K