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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...

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All JobsFlight Test Pilot JobsFlight Test Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Flight Test Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$80.8K

$104.2K

$174.5K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in Virginia is $104,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $106,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Flight Test Pilot jobs in Virginia? For Flight Test Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Pilot jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
Flight Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in Virginia 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 $104,208 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot / Maintenance Examiner (MTP/ME)

Resicum International LLC

Warrenton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description:

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Resicum International LLC is seeking a highly qualified AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot / Maintenance Examiner (MTP/ME) to support the Indian Army AH-64E Apache Training Assistance Field Team (TAFT) under the Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This is a full-time overseas position in India and is contingent upon contract award.

This is a non-flying advisory position designed for an experienced former U.S. Army AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot who is passionate about mentoring and developing allied military aviation professionals.

The AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot / Maintenance Examiner serves as the senior technical advisor for maintenance test flight operations, maintenance test pilot development, and aviation maintenance best practices. Working directly with Indian Army personnel, the advisor provides classroom instruction, technical guidance, mentorship, and hands-on training in maintenance test procedures, aircraft troubleshooting, maintenance management, quality assurance, and risk management.

The successful candidate will assist in developing maintenance test pilot proficiency, improving aircraft readiness, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Army aviation maintenance doctrine, technical manuals, and established maintenance standards. Responsibilities also include supporting the development of training programs, lesson plans, and instructional materials while advising leadership on maintenance operations and operational best practices.

This position requires a highly experienced former U.S. Army AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot with exceptional leadership, communication, and instructional abilities. The advisor will play a critical role in strengthening the Indian Army's AH-64E Apache maintenance capability while supporting U.S. security cooperation objectives through professional mentorship and technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the senior AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot advisor to Indian Army personnel.
  • Mentor and train Maintenance Test Pilots in accordance with U.S. Army doctrine and technical publications.
  • Provide classroom instruction and hands-on technical training.
  • Advise on maintenance test procedures, flight planning, risk management, and aircraft readiness.
  • Assist with troubleshooting complex aircraft maintenance discrepancies and system diagnostics.
  • Support maintenance quality assurance, inspections, and technical evaluations.
  • Develop and refine training programs, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. Army technical manuals, maintenance regulations, and safety standards.
  • Advise leadership on maintenance operations, readiness, and best maintenance practices.
  • Foster strong professional relationships while supporting the objectives of the USASATMO Foreign Military Sales mission.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to leverage your AH-64E maintenance and test pilot expertise to mentor allied military personnel, strengthen international aviation partnerships, and support a strategic U.S. security cooperation mission. Employment is contingent upon contract award.

Requirements:


  • This position is contingent upon contract award.
  • Former U.S. Army AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).
  • Previously qualified as an AH-64E Maintenance Examiner (ME) or Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).
  • Qualified in the AH-64E Version 4 aircraft (Version 6 experience preferred).
  • Minimum 1,500 hours of total rotary-wing flight time.
  • Minimum 300 hours as an AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot.
  • Thorough knowledge of AH-64E aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance test procedures, and applicable U.S. Army technical manuals.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting maintenance test operations, technical evaluations, and aircraft system diagnostics.
  • Strong knowledge of aviation maintenance management, quality assurance, operational risk management, and flight safety principles.
  • Experience providing classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, and professional mentorship.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently as a trusted technical advisor in a multinational and cross-cultural environment.
  • Graduate of the U.S. Army Maintenance Test Pilot Course preferred.
  • Previous instructor or evaluator experience preferred.
  • Previous experience supporting Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO), Training Assistance Field Team (TAFT), or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs preferred.
  • Experience working with allied or international military organizations preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain all required security clearances.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a valid U.S. passport and all required visas for overseas employment.
  • Must be medically, physically, and mentally capable of meeting overseas deployment requirements.
  • Must successfully complete all company, customer, and U.S. Government pre-employment and deployment requirements.
  • Must be willing to live and work in India for the duration of the assignment.