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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Planning daily flight tests on various Group 1-2 UAS, including multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL. * Managing a small team of pilots * Managing and maintaining flight testing documentation * Maintain ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

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Flight Test Pilot information

See New York salary details

$89.2K

$115K

$192.6K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in New York is $114,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,400.00 and $117,600.00 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 New York?

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

Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,994 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Director, UAS Flight Operations

Homerun B.V.

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location: Brooklyn, New York

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vermeerapp

Company: https://www.getvermeer.com/

Compensation: $110-160k total compensation

Job Description

Vermeer is looking for a UAS Flight Operations Director to join our team. In this role, you will be heading up the Flight Testing & Validation processes for our next gen of GPS-denied navigation. Your responsibilities will include

  • Planning daily flight tests on various Group 1-2 UAS, including multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL.
  • Managing a small team of pilots
  • Managing and maintaining flight testing documentation
  • Maintain all in-house aircraft
  • Interface and data transfer with software and mechanical engineers during daily operations
    In your role as Director, you will be working in the office as well as in the field, as operations require. Drone operations will include Group 1-3 fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor UAS platforms. Proficiency with PX4/Ardupilot flight stacks and various GCS is highly preferred. Collaboration with our engineering team will be crucial as you plan, execute, and report on test activities. Success in this role hinges on your ability to adapt to new requirements and manage flight operations across multiple projects. The ability to be self-sufficient and multi-task efficiently is very important in this position.

While a BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, Aviation, or a related field is preferred, we will consider equivalent professional experience. Please note that non-engineering or hobbyist experience limited to DJI or equivalent Group 1 UAS is not sufficient for this role. The ability to interpret technical documentation and integrate payloads onto aircraft is essential, as is hands-on experience with small power tools, lab test equipment, soldering, and custom wiring harnesses. Familiarity with basic electronics and troubleshooting (multimeter, oscilloscope etc) is a huge plus.

This is a full-time, in-person position at our Brooklyn, NY office. A relocation stipend will be offered.

Required Qualifications
  • US Citizenship
  • FAA Part 107 Certification.
  • Significant experience planning flight test cards, considering test hardware, software versions, flight paths, safety protocols
  • 2+ years experience managing at least 1 pilot
  • Significant experience - PX4 / Ardupilot autopilot systems and MAVLINK
  • Significant experience - flying Group 2-3 UAS
  • Significant experience - ground control software including Q Ground Control and Mission Planner
  • Strong understanding of 14 CFR Part 107 regulations and FAA airspace, and FAA waivers.
  • Strong understanding of drone electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
  • Technology background with troubleshooting skills and analytical research capabilities.
  • Must possess a driver's license and be willing to operate a motor vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Qualifications to operate complex civilian or government UAS systems.
  • Military training as an Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) or Pilot in Command (PIC).
  • Experience building custom drones or integrating drone components including custom payloads, cameras, sensing systems, hardware, electronics, wiring, GPS systems, autopilots, firmware, and software.
  • Background in software or computer science.
  • Proficiency in operating Linux, Ubuntu, Windows, and/or terminal commands.
  • Prior experience in software code/script building using programming languages.
  • Experience with prototype fabrication using 3D printing and/or CNC machining.
  • Ability to make independent decisions, troubleshoot, and repair electrical faults.
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