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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126 - $157/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 ...

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126 - $157/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 ...

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126K - $157K/yr

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 ...

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126K - $157K/yr

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 ...

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for ... Flight Operations Location: Mojave, CA Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship Clearance ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness * Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under ...

UAS Test Pilot, RPIC

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92 - $138/hr

UAS Test Pilot, RPIC/EP San Diego, CA Flight Testing In office Full-time Who We Are At Firestorm, we're on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 cities in California are hiring for Flight Test Pilot jobs?

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

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.

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Wisk Aero

Hollister, CA • On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
We are looking for a Senior Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. 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 validate a revolutionary new aircraft design. Wisk recognizes the challenges that the UAM industry faces in the certification of our vehicles. We are taking a pragmatic approach to this task and consequently are looking for experienced flight test personnel to join our talented team to make the certification process as efficient and effective as possible.
Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity working from our Hollister, CA flight test facility. Occasional travel to offsite test locations and training facilities will be part of the scope of your duties.
Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards posed by the method and scope of test, and establishing appropriate mitigations. You will conduct flight test and safety chase, piloting our general aviation support aircraft, our surrogate flying test beds, and our un-crewed aircraft systems. In addition, you will develop, review and approve trajectory planning for our UAS mission profiles. Further, you will report test results to a standard required by certification authorities and you will also support the development of program documentation including restrictions and special instructions to test, Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures. Most critically, you will mentor and lead fellow flight testers, supporting their professional development while exemplifying the elements of Wisk's Safety Management System.
Requirements:
  • 12+ years experience as a test pilot in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft or similarly complex aerospace systems.
  • FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing)
  • Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate
  • Bachelors of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
  • Graduate of an engineering test pilot school or program.
  • Depth of experience with both Flight and Operations Safety Risk Management
  • Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design
  • Experience mission-relating engineering data to operational use cases.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for multi-disciplinary collaboration and mentoring.

Desired
  • 2,500+ hours of flight experience, with 200+ hrs in flight test
  • Experience conducting flight programs pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification
  • Unmanned aircraft flight test experience
  • Electric propulsion or high stored energy test experience
  • Both fixed-wing and turbine-engine rotary-wing flight test experience
  • Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience
  • Formal formation flight training and subsequent formation flight experience
  • Masters degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
  • Familiarity with MBSE processes

Job Type: Full-time
Pay range the company expects to pay: $192,000 - $240,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.