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Freelance Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Test Pilot

Mobile, AL

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 ...

Wisk Aero

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192 - $240/hr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview 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 ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

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 ...

VLinc

Flight Test Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew when the test calls for it, work the ... If you have spent time around flight test and want to be the engineer the test team relies on, not ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview 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 ...

VLinc

Flight Test Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC

You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew when the test calls for it, work the ... If you have spent time around flight test and want to be the engineer the test team relies on, not ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

California, MO · On-site

$222.40 - $286.50/hr

Overview 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 ...

VLinc

Flight Test Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew when the test calls for it, work the ... If you have spent time around flight test and want to be the engineer the test team relies on, not ...

Wisk Aero

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

Wisk

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

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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 Aug 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

Production Flight Test Pilot I

Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

Torrance, CA • On-site

$26.50 - $43/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
FlightWave is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Flight Test Pilot to support operational and quality control testing of our unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). We are a growing drone technology company focused on serving defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.
In this role, you'll support daily flight test operations - including vehicle preparation, mission execution, post-flight data collection, and issue resolution. While the job requires hands-on technician skills, it is primarily focused on flight testing and flying - making it ideal for someone with strong UAV experience and a passion for flight operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct functional testing and quality control flights for new and production aircraft
  • Operate as a remote pilot or visual observer during flight test operations
  • Prepare UAS platforms for flight, including pre-flight inspections and setup of ground control equipment
  • Identify, document, and help troubleshoot technical issues found during flight testing
  • Maintain detailed records of flights, test results, and any discrepancies
  • Work closely with engineers to provide feedback on system performance, reliability, and usability
  • Assist with basic repairs, calibrations, and hardware swaps as needed
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Qualifications
  • 2 years of Drone Pilot Experience (Hobby or Commercial)
  • 300 hours of verifiable commercial drone experience
  • Hands-on experience operating and flying both quadrotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms
  • Familiarity with basic electronics, tools, wiring, and mechanical systems
  • Strong attention to detail, process discipline, and documentation habits
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Additional Desired Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field
  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems
  • Prior experience supporting structured flight test or engineering test programs
  • Familiarity with GCS tools like QGroundControl or Mission Planner
  • Basic knowledge of telemetry systems, log analysis, or test instrumentation
  • Military or government flight operations experience is a plus

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varied field environments, including heat and direct sun exposure.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and move across uneven terrain for extended periods.
  • Requires fine motor skills for equipment setup, wiring, and mechanical adjustments.
  • Visual acuteness needed for both close detail work and monitoring aircraft in flight.
  • Must be able to hear and communicate clearly in dynamic test environments, including over radios or comms equipment.

Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.
Compensation: $26.50 - $43, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.

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