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Experimental Test Pilot Jobs (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 ...

Conduct and oversee experimental test flights, providing critical feedback for aircraft development ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi-engine ratings. * Strong leadership and ...

Conduct and oversee experimental test flights, providing critical feedback for aircraft development ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi-engine ratings. * Strong leadership and ...

Conduct and oversee experimental test flights, providing critical feedback for aircraft development ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi-engine ratings. * Strong leadership and ...

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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.
Blackhawk Pilot - Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) UH-60

Blackhawk Pilot - Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) UH-60

Yulista

Lakehurst, NJ • On-site

$143K - $187K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Yulista rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular

Are you an experienced UH60 Maintenance Test Pilot looking for a role where your expertise directly supports cuttingedge Army aviation programs? Yulista is seeking a skilled pilot to conduct Maintenance Test Flights, project flight tests, and a variety of missioncritical aviation duties in support of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts.

In this role, you will operate rotarywing aircraft in support of system integration, experimentation, and operational testing-playing a key part in advancing Army aviation capabilities. Candidates who also hold fixedwing qualifications may have the opportunity to support additional aircraft platforms.

If you're ready to apply your technical skill, flight discipline, and missionfocused mindset to a highimpact aviation program, we want to talk with you.

Apply today and join a team shaping the future of Army aviation.

Salary Range: $143,000 - $187,000 annually Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity.

Essential Duties

* Serve as a UH-60 Maintenance Test Pilot and Project pilot on our UH-60 L/M aircraft.

* Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.

* Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.

* Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.

* Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.

* Maintain required medical certification and flight currency.

* Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned.

* Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

* Subject to random drug testing.

* Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 25%.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Desired Flight Hour Experience:

* Total flight time: 1,500 hours * Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours * Night flight: 75 hours * Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months *

Required Qualifications

Qualification Requirements:

Medical:

* Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate,

* FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate ratings (multi-engine, instrument, helicopter), or

* Applicants must be UH-60 MTP Qualified.

Required Documents:

Resume detailing flight experience and qualifications.

Pilot certificates and ratings * Medical certification documentation * Flight-hour documentation/logbooks * SF-50 (if applicable)

* Active Secret Security Clearance is required

The Maintenance Test Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:

* Technical Competence

* Attention to Detail

* Oral Communication

* Planning and Evaluating

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.


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