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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process. Key Responsibilities: * Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the ...

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer - SME

Eglin Air Force Base, FL · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Flight Safety Course, Weapons School or Test Pilot School. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops and plans test strategies, writes test plans, and publishes test reports using a working knowledge of military ...

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer - SME

FL · On-site

Flight Safety Course, Weapons School or Test Pilot School. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops and plans test strategies, writes test plans, and publishes test reports using a working knowledge of military ...

XTEND

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Execute mission profiles, flight test events, demonstrations, and training operations * Develop and ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems in ...

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Flight Test Pilot information

See Florida salary details

$60.9K

$78.5K

$131.5K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in Florida is $78,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $80,300.00 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 closely with engineers to ensure aircraft safety and performance during development and certification phases.

How much does a flight test pilot make?

A flight test pilot's salary varies based on experience, employer, and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually. Experienced test pilots working for aerospace companies or government agencies can earn higher salaries, especially when combined with specialized certifications and extensive flight hours.

How much do flight testers make?

Flight test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the aircraft tested. Senior or specialized test pilots in aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as travel allowances and performance bonuses.

Is being a test pilot worth it?

A flight test pilot plays a critical role in evaluating aircraft performance and safety, often working for aerospace companies or military organizations. The job requires advanced flying skills, certifications, and the ability to handle high-stress situations, with compensation reflecting the specialized expertise involved. While it offers unique challenges and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aircraft, it also involves significant risk and demanding 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida? For Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Pilot jobs in Florida are:
Flight Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,548 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot

Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Vero Beach, FL

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Piper Aircraft rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot is the mature mind behind safely and efficiently executing flight test projects at Piper Aircraft.  The role is a multi-faceted position that requires and advanced depth and a breadth of engineering knowledge across a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines in addition to exceptional pilot skill.  This acumen will be combined with a high level grasp of customer aircraft operations and an administrative expertise to provide high quality flight test data for the purposes of product development and certification. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:        

·        Act as pilot-in-command for Piper experimental test operations aircraft during the conduct of flight test activities related to the development and certification of Piper products

·        Coordinate project specific flight and ground crew logistics including pre-flight briefings, post-flight briefings, duty day restrictions, travel, transportation, and, especially, test hazard mitigation requirements

·         Create, revise, review, and approve technical and compliance documents subject to the Piper ODA

·         Participate in the Piper safety management system, including serving as the Flight Test Safety Officer

·         Liaise with other departments as the Experimental Flight Test subject matter expert

·         Complete required initial and recurrent safety training

·         Other tasks as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.  The employee may be required to be a technical lead for other test pilots or flight test engineers and to train and assist other employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

·         Significant previous flight test experience (Test Pilot or Flight Test Engineer)

·         Commercial Pilot’s License with Multi-engine and Instrument ratings

·         Familiarity with 14CFR Part 23 regulations and associated guidance material

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         Test Pilot School Graduate

·         Graduate degree in engineering or related field

·         Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

·         2000 Hours Pilot-in-Command

·         Consulting DER Appointment (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

·         Experience as an ODA Unit Member (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers.  Being able to produce high quality formal and informal flight test reports is of utmost importance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to an office environment. 

·       The employee is occasionally exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, and odors consistent with the operation of aircraft.

·       Although mitigated to the greatest extent possible by the flight test safety process, the employee will be exposed to the risks associated with ground and flight testing experimental aircraft. 

·       Travel and overtime are occasionally necessary.

·       Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SAFETY AND POLICY PRACTICES:

In addition to adherence to all general Piper Aircraft company safety requirements, engineering flight test operations are subject to governance by the Flight Operations Policy and Procedures Manual.  The employee will be expected to know and abide by those policies and procedures.  Specifically, that will include the following training:

·       Emergency Egress

·       Hypoxia Awareness

·       Parachute

·       Oxygen System

·       Water Egress and Survival

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