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Freelance Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA

We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology ... As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to ...

Wisk

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Ag

Test Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft. Meet the team: Our Engineers at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing facility ...

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process. Key Responsibilities: * Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the ...

Lockheed Martin

F-35 Test Pilot-Level 5

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

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 ...

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

As of Jun 23, 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
Sr. Test Pilot

Sr. Test Pilot

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems development. You should possess extensive experience in developmental flight test, and sound judgment to plan and accomplish program goals safely and effectively. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command (PIC) and Second in Command (SIC); supporting ground tests as Test Conductor, Test Director, or Flight Test Engineer; preparing system test plans and flight test cards; participating in engineering design reviews, simulator evaluations, technical and safety reviews, and flight briefings; drafting flight manual and operational guidance and documenting test results. Ability to perform as control room mission director / designated safety official for part 450 FAA licensed commerical space missions. As a key member of the Flight Operations team, you will have an essential role in meeting all Flight Operations objectives. You will be challenged with bringing a unique and complex aircraft from early development to operational use and proving capabilities for high-speed vehicle launch.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as PIC/SIC for the experimental transport category carrier aircraft to include the B747-400, as well as other aircraft to be used for chase and training missions.
  • Write flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in system design and design reviews
  • Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and components
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as test crew member or Test Conductor
  • Participate in control room operations as Mission Director or training officer, as required
  • Author and/or update Pilot Operating Handbook and related guidance, to include development of normal and emergency procedures
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types, to include maintaining instrument currency.
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, high stress environments

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Pilot graduate of a full course test pilot school (SETP-recognized), or possess equivalent experience in developmental flight test programs
  • Minimum 1,200 hours total PIC flight time, to include at least 500 hours in turbine aircraft
  • Three years of test pilot experience on developmental flight test programs
  • FAA Commercial Airplane Multi-Engine Land pilot certificate, without a centerline thrust restriction.
  • FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design
  • Be independent and motivated; able to self-direct and manage time effectively
  • Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Be knowledgeable of Federal Aviation Regulations for experimental aircraft certification and operations
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • United States Citizenship - ability to acquire/maintain a US security clearance

HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • FAA Airline Transport Rating (ATP), or additional FAA type ratings and experience in multi-engine, non-centerline thrust aircraft
  • 747-400 type rating
  • Possess FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training
  • Recent experience in formation / chase.
  • Experience as a test pilot in heavy multi-engine turbine aircraft
  • Six years of relevant experience on developmental flight test programs
  • Experience with external stores carriage and separation flight tests
  • Master's Degree in engineering or related technical field
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls or autonomous aircraft development
  • Previous experience with experimental or modified aircraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control
  • Familiar with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures

Special remarks regarding work environment:
  • This position is located in Mojave, CA
  • Senior Level - $175,500-$230,500 / Up to 15% Annual bonus
  • Travel to CONUS or OCONUS test locations for extended test campaigns

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s):
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
  • Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees' and applicants' time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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