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Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Garmin International, Inc.

Flight Test Pilot

Salem, OR · On-site

Overview We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Moog, Inc.

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight ... Provide test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research and product development ...

Moog

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX

$190K - $220K/yr

You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight ... Provide test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research and product development ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on ...

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Flight Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight 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 does a typical day look like for a Flight Test Pilot?

A typical day for a Flight Test Pilot involves thorough pre-flight briefings with engineers and technicians, reviewing test objectives, meticulously planning flight profiles, and conducting test flights to evaluate aircraft performance, systems, and safety features. After each flight, the pilot collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to debrief, document results, and discuss any anomalies or findings. Besides flying, significant time is spent analyzing data, preparing reports, and refining test procedures. The role often requires adaptability and close teamwork, as flight test schedules and objectives can evolve based on weather, technical readiness, or program priorities.

Are test pilots still a thing?

Yes, test pilots are still a vital part of the aerospace industry, responsible for evaluating new aircraft and systems. They typically hold advanced pilot certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot license, and work for military, government, or aerospace companies to ensure aircraft safety and performance.

How much do flight test pilots make?

Flight test pilots typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location. Senior or specialized test pilots with extensive flight hours and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.

Is being a test pilot worth it?

A flight test pilot plays a critical role in evaluating aircraft performance and safety, often working in high-pressure environments and requiring specialized certifications. The job offers unique technical challenges and can be highly rewarding for those interested in aviation innovation, but it also involves significant risk and demanding schedules. Whether it is worth it depends on individual career goals and risk tolerance.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline captains, especially those flying international routes for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and overtime. Corporate and private jet pilots with extensive flight hours and specialized certifications may also reach this level of income, particularly in senior or executive roles. These salaries typically require advanced training, significant experience, and often involve long or irregular schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Test Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Pilot, you need exceptional piloting skills, in-depth knowledge of aeronautical engineering, and a degree in a related field, often supplemented by military or advanced civilian test pilot school training. Familiarity with specialized flight data recording equipment, flight test instrumentation, and certification from organizations like the FAA or EASA is often required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are critical for safely conducting complex test flights, analyzing results, and ensuring new or modified aircraft meet rigorous safety and performance standards.

What is a Flight Test Pilot job?

A Flight Test Pilot is responsible for flying and evaluating new or modified aircraft to assess their performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. They work closely with engineers to test systems, aerodynamics, and handling characteristics under various conditions. Their role involves executing test plans, documenting results, and providing critical feedback for aircraft development. Flight Test Pilots often have extensive experience in aviation, advanced training in aerodynamics and flight testing, and may hold military or engineering backgrounds.

More about Flight Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Pilot jobs are:
Flight Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Flight Test Pilot

Flight Test Pilot

Garmin International, Inc.

Salem, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.
Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Commercial aviation experience is a plus
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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