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Freelance Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot, chase pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot, chase pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot, chase pilot ...

Grid Aero

Test Pilot (Contract)

Merced, CA · On-site

Role Overview Grid Aero is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot (Contract) to execute the flight testing of our large, fixed-wing autonomous aircraft. You will operate cutting-edge systems from the ...

Grid Aero

Test Pilot (Contract)

Merced, CA · On-site

Role Overview Grid Aero is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot (Contract) to execute the flight testing of our large, fixed-wing autonomous aircraft. You will operate cutting-edge systems from the ...

Reliable Robotics

Lead Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at Reliable Robotics. You will provide direction to the team, and be a leading voice to help guide the ...

Scaled Composites

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for ... Flight Operations Location: Mojave, CA Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship Clearance ...

Grid Aero

Test Pilot (Contract)

Merced, CA

Role Overview Grid Aero is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot (Contract) to execute the flight testing of our large, fixed-wing autonomous aircraft. You will operate cutting-edge systems from the ...

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Freelance Flight Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

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
Flight Test DER

Flight Test DER

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying the Joby aircraft, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.


Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply foundational principles in a new fly-by-wire environment. As a key member of our certification team, you will leverage your experience as a DER or ODA Unit Member, with the acumen to navigate the evolving certification landscape of next-generation aviation.


  • Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot, chase pilot, flight debriefs and post-flight analysis and reporting
  • Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes
  • Contribute to flight readiness reviews, test safety reviews, and other flight test admin activities
  • Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
  • Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked to provide design feedback
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Review, contribute, and coordinate with the FAA to complete certification and flight test compliance documents required to attain Type Certification.  
  • Other duties as assigned or required

  • FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • Both fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight test experience
  • FAA certification flight test experience
  • Experience with all-electric aircraft

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $222,400 - $286,500/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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