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Experimental Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

F-35 Test Pilot-Level 5

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$156K - $275K/yr

... experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support, customer ... Pilot certificate. • Current FAA Class I or II medical certificate. • 1,000 hours first-pilot ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 7, 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.
Senior Test Pilot - Group 5

Senior Test Pilot - Group 5

Anduril Industries

Las Vegas, NV

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Anduril we are developing unmanned aerial systems capable of terminal guidance, long range intelligence collection, precision relative and global navigation, and unsupervised autonomy. The Test and Evaluation team works across the entire spectrum of products ranging from Lattice Ghost UAS, Sentry Tower, cUAS, missile, Fury and many of our other platforms.
As a Group 5 Test Pilot, you will support the development and field testing of Anduril's largest and most powerful Unmanned Aerial System products. In this role, you will prepare aircraft for flight, conduct flight tests as the test pilot, and support the test engineering team throughout the lifecycle of the developmental aircraft.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Collaborate closely with 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.
  • Participate in ground and flight testing of developmental aircraft to determine compliance with specifications, validate airworthiness, and assess operational suitability.
  • Assist in developing system test procedures and engage in laboratory and surrogate open-air environment testing.
  • Serve as a guiding member within the Test and Evaluation team, regularly interfacing with the T&E lead, T&E Technical Director, Chief Test Pilot, Lead Flight Test Engineer, and customer representatives.
  • Take direct responsibility for the safe flight of the aircraft and act as an advisor during safety reviews, design reviews, and airworthiness reviews.
  • Expand the mission envelope by pushing the boundaries of safe and normal flight.
  • Support Fury flight tests as a surrogate and chase pilot, flying high-performance jet aircraft in demanding roles including photo/video, air data pacer, and safety chase across the flight envelope.
  • Participate in flight operations and help direct the flight test program.
  • Collaborate with other test pilots to approve control station configurations, author flight procedures, develop and verify emergency procedures, and support test team and control room training.
  • Review test procedures, flight test plans, flight test cards, operating limitations, flight test schedules, support documents, and ground handling documents in preparation for ground and flight testing.
  • Attend system design and configuration control meetings, providing input to resolve change requests and determining change priority, timelines, and test verification requirements leading up to software releases and aircraft block changes.
  • Develop creative solutions to technical and execution challenges, acting with a bias for action and engaging your team to solve problems efficiently.

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.
  • 5+ years experience as a Group 5 UAV pilot.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • Qualifying hours must include 200 hours Pilot-in-Command during engineering flight test and 10 hours during experimental flight test.
  • Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating.
  • FAA Class 2 Medical, renewed annually.
  • One of the following education and experience combinations:
    • Undergraduate or higher degree in aerospace-related engineering or scientific discipline plus one year of applicable engineering test flight experience.
    • Undergraduate or higher degree in other engineering or scientific discipline plus two years of applicable engineering test flight experience.
    • Non-engineering undergraduate or higher degree plus three years of applicable engineering test flight experience.
    • No degree plus four years of applicable engineering test flight experience.
  • Ability to travel as required to support off-site aircraft testing.
  • Strong ability to quickly understand new concepts, apply them accurately, organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases, and determine appropriate approaches to complex problems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, especially regarding technical subjects and authoring technical documents supporting safe aircraft operation.
  • Experience authoring flight manuals and technical documentation necessary to operate developmental aircraft and delivering configuration-controlled publications to customers.
  • Proficiency with basic MS Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; capable of performing complex tasks.
  • Willingness to work extended and irregular hours.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years experience as a Group 5 UAV pilot working with developmental aircraft.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • ATP certificate with Class 1 medical.
  • Certified Flight Instructor / Instrument.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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