1

Flight Test Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ... Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience * Proven Mission Control Room ...

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ... Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience * Proven Mission Control Room ...

Flight Test Operator

Fort Stockton, TX · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

This position will be filled with a highly motivated Flight Test Operator with a passion for flying ... RC, RPIC, or Pilot-operator (PIC) experience on fixed wing commercial and/or defense Group 2 ...

Whether leading simulator sessions or pre-flight briefings, you'll contribute to CAE's legacy of ... run a rigorous test program while holding to the contractual requirements * Pilot experience ...

Whether leading simulator sessions or pre-flight briefings, you'll contribute to CAE's legacy of ... run a rigorous test program while holding to the contractual requirements * Pilot experience ...

F-16 Pilot/Test Director

Arlington, TX · On-site

$110 - $165/hr

... CAE's legacy of flight training excellence while keeping your own skills sharp. Supported by ... run a rigorous test program while holding to the contractual requirements * Pilot experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Test Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$75.9K

$97.9K

$164K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in Texas is $97,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $100,200.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,926 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

F-35 Test Pilot-Level 5

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$148K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description
We are Lockheed Martin
You will be a Test Pilot for the Flight Operations team.
Lockheed Martin Flight Operations is looking for an energetic test pilot who wants to make a difference.
We want a person who is willing to provide leadership, apply technical acumen, and make the team better.
What You Will Be Doing
As a Test Pilot you will start by supporting our F-35 efforts, but the position may grow to involve other projects such as Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs, better known as Skunk Works.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) development, requirements development, and market assist.
• Subject matter expert on all aspects of the F-35.
• Subject matter expert for flight test to include flight test planning, run card development, test execution and reporting.
• Fly missions such as experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support, customer demonstration flights and others as assigned.
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
This position is in Fort Worth, TX. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
aeroflightops
Tests aircraft to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability. Operates models of test aircraft during engineering flight tests, production acceptance, and flight test support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. Coordinates flight operations efforts. Approves cockpit configuration. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials, or other personnel aboard to exhibit aircraft performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.
Basic Qualifications
• Suitable FAA Commercial Pilot (SE Land, Instrument Airplane) or Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
• Current FAA Class I or II medical certificate. • 1,000 hours first-pilot time in a tactical aircraft.
• F-35 flying experience in excess of 100 hours.
• Graduate of a military or recognized Test Pilot School (TPS).
• SECRET or higher security clearance.
• Must be willing to travel and have a valid U.S. passport.
Desired Skills
• Comfortable working with Comms and PR in front of a camera.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912