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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero LLC

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159 - $199/hr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159 - $199/hr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero LLC

Staff Test Pilot (Hollister)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot (Hollister)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192 - $240/hr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

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Flight Test Pilot information

See California salary details

$80.4K

$103.7K

$173.7K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in California is $103,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight test pilot?

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.

What does a flight test pilot do?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a flight test pilot?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Pilot jobs in California?

For Flight Test Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Test Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Test Pilot job openings:

Flight Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,733 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Senior/Staff Flight Research Test Pilot

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • On-site

$149K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
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 on your experience from (ideally) crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during developmental and operational flight testing. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support the full spectrum of test pilot duties as well as supporting engineering development activities.
Location: Concord, CA with <25% travel, will travel to occasional deployed testing including participation in military exercises.
Responsibilities
  • Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program
  • Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Uphold a strong safety culture
  • Create test plans, cards, and reports
  • Conduct data analysis
  • Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
  • Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements
  • Play an active role in engineering design activities with a particular emphasis on human interfaces and airspace integration

Required
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Airplane rating
  • A second class (or better) medical certificate
  • A minimum of 1500 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 300 hours of turbine time
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering
  • At least 8 years of experience in flight test position
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • Willingness to work extended hours
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired
  • SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate
  • FAA certified flight instructor
  • Leadership positions in a flight test organization
  • C-208 experience
  • Experience in highly automated aircraft
  • Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s)

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $149,000 - $255,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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