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Freelance Boeing Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Previous Boeing aircraft operating experience preferred. * Ability to successfully complete Kalitta ... Ability to pass a 10-year security background check and pre-employment Drug and Alcohol test ...

Technical Designer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

... test operations, directly supporting Boeing's mission to enable global reach for the U.S. and ... Private Pilot (PPL) License. Conflict of Interest: Successful candidates for this job must satisfy ...

Technical Designer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

... test operations, directly supporting Boeing's mission to enable global reach for the U.S. and ... Private Pilot (PPL) License. Conflict of Interest: Successful candidates for this job must satisfy ...

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Freelance Boeing Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do freelance boeing test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance boeing test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance Boeing test pilot?

Freelance Boeing test pilots are highly experienced aviators who are contracted independently, rather than employed full-time by Boeing, to conduct test flights for Boeing aircraft. Their primary responsibilities include evaluating new or modified aircraft systems, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, and providing detailed feedback on aircraft performance. These pilots often work on a project-by-project basis, assisting with certification flights, troubleshooting, and demonstration flights for clients. Freelance test pilots must possess advanced piloting skills, extensive knowledge of Boeing aircraft, and a deep understanding of aviation safety protocols.

What is the difference between Freelance Boeing Test Pilot vs Commercial Airline Pilot?

AspectFreelance Boeing Test PilotCommercial Airline Pilot
CredentialsFAA ATP license, type ratings for Boeing aircraft, extensive flight testing experienceFAA ATP license, type ratings for commercial aircraft, airline-specific training
Work EnvironmentTest flights, research facilities, aircraft development settingsPassenger cabins, airline operations, scheduled flights
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, testing agencies, aerospace companiesAirlines, transportation industry, passenger service

Freelance Boeing Test Pilots focus on testing and evaluating new Boeing aircraft, often working independently or with manufacturers. Commercial Airline Pilots operate scheduled passenger flights for airlines. While both roles require advanced certifications and flying skills, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Boeing test pilot?

To thrive as a Freelance Boeing Test Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, significant experience in flight testing, and in-depth knowledge of Boeing aircraft systems. Familiarity with flight data recording software, test instrumentation, and Boeing-specific simulation systems is typically required, along with completion of formal test pilot training such as from a recognized test pilot school. Outstanding analytical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are crucial for safely executing test protocols and reporting findings. These competencies ensure rigorous safety standards are met and that aircraft performance and compliance are thoroughly validated.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Boeing test pilots when working with different clients or aircraft models?

Freelance Boeing test pilots often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to various aircraft models and unique client requirements. Each test flight can involve different testing protocols, safety procedures, and instrumentation, requiring strong situational awareness and meticulous preparation. Additionally, establishing effective communication with new engineering teams and ensuring compliance with both client and regulatory standards can be demanding. Successful freelance test pilots excel at building rapport quickly and staying current with the latest Boeing systems and testing methodologies.
More about Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Boeing Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Boeing Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Boeing Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Boeing Test Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Boeing Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer (Experienced, Lead or Senior)

Boeing

Oklahoma City, OK

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Flight Test Engineer (Experienced, Lead or Senior)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) is looking for Flight Test Engineers to join our test operations team in Oklahoma City, OK, supporting the Executive Transport and Surveillance portfolio.

This role is primarily first shift; however, there may be occasional requirement to work off Friday/weekend or off shifts to support test execution. In addition, this role will require up to 25% domestic travel with potential for a longer-term assignment or DTA (domestic temporary assignment).

BT&E is currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including Experienced, Lead, and Senior Flight Test Engineers.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft ground and flight test activities in support of developmental, certification, or operational test programs

  • Develop and author flight test plans, test procedures, test cards, and test reports, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

  • Support real-time test operations, including test conduct, data assessment, and anomaly resolution during lab, ground, and flight test events

  • Collaborate closely with pilots, maintenance, instrumentation, safety, systems engineering, and program leadership to ensure safe and effective test execution

  • Participate and lead test readiness reviews (TRRs), safety reviews, and post test reviews, identifying risks, mitigations, and lessons learned

  • Troubleshoot and resolve test issues and anomalies, coordinating with engineering and program stakeholders to drive timely resolution

  • Ensure adherence to configuration management, test discipline, and procedural compliance throughout all phases of testing

  • Support multiple test programs or test phases simultaneously, balancing priorities in a dynamic test environment

  • Interface with customers, regulatory authorities, or external partners as required during test planning, execution, and reporting

  • Mentor and support junior flight test engineers, as appropriate, sharing best practices and flight test discipline

  • Promote and model a strong safety culture, emphasizing hazard identification, risk management, and continuous improvement

  • Support on-site and off-site test operations including travel to test locations, production facilities, or operational bases as required

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required

  • This position requires ability to obtain program access, for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship only

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • Experience in developmental, certification, or operational test environments (ground test, flight test, or integrated test campaigns)

  • Hands-on experience with test planning and execution, including test procedures, test cards, risk assessments, and real-time test support

  • Current FAA Class III medical certificate or the ability to obtain one

  • Willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time both domestically and internationally

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Level 4: 5 or more years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Level 5: 10 or more years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • An active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

  • Master's degree

  • Experience supporting aircraft or major system systems such as avionics, flight controls, propulsion, structures, environmental systems, or mission systems

  • Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and post-flight data analysis tools

  • Knowledge of aircraft certification and regulatory processes, including familiarity with FAA, military, or customer certification requirements e, g., FAA, USAF, EASA)

  • Experience working in cross-functional teams, collaborating with pilots, maintenance, instrumentation, safety, systems engineering, and program management

  • Strong technical writing and communication skills, with experience authoring test plans, procedures, test reports, and briefing materials

  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including requirements verification and validation (V&V), configuration management, and change control

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This role is primarily first shift; however, there may be occasional requirement to work off Friday/weekend or off shifts to support test execution.

Travel:

This role will require up to 25% domestic travel with potential for a longer-term assignment or DTA (domestic temporary assignment).

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range for Experienced Level (Level 3): $96,050-$129,950

Summary Pay Range for Lead Level (Level 4): $118,150-$159,850

Summary Pay Range for Senior Level (Level 5): $143,650-$194,350

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. This position requires ability to obtain program access, for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship only.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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