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Freelance Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

XWING

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Moog, Inc.

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight ... Provide test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research and product development ...

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Freelance Flight Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance flight 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 the difference between Freelance Flight Test Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFreelance Flight Test PilotCommercial Pilot
CredentialsFAA pilot certifications, specialized testing experienceFAA commercial pilot license, multi-engine ratings
Work EnvironmentTesting new aircraft, experimental flights, researchTransporting passengers or cargo, scheduled flights
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, research institutions, testing agenciesAirlines, charter companies, cargo carriers

Freelance Flight Test Pilots focus on testing and evaluating aircraft, often working independently or for manufacturers, while Commercial Pilots operate scheduled flights for passengers or cargo. Both roles require FAA certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Flight Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Flight Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Flight Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Flight Test Pilot jobs include:
Freelance Flight Test Pilot jobs near you

Senior Flight Test Pilot

Garmin International, Inc.

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Senior Flight Test Pilot for Garmin's Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.
Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2)

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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