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Full Time Nasa Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD). * Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred Qualifications * Graduate of a recognized test pilot school. * Private Pilot or higher rating. * Familiarity with ...

New

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred Qualifications * Graduate of a recognized test pilot school. * Private Pilot or higher rating. * Familiarity with ...

New

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12 ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12 ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12, T-34, RQ-4 ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on ER-2 (U-2) and a variety of other NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: Gulfstream III, Gulfstream IV Beechcraft King ...

i3

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on ER-2 (U-2) and a variety of other NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: Gulfstream III, Gulfstream IV Beechcraft King ...

L3HHCM20

Principal Pilot

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Experimental Test Pilot (L) Job Code: 41265 Job Location: Remote Field, Tulsa, OK Schedule: 5x8 ... The work involves extensive flight planning and work as part of a small team of pilots. Full time ...

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Full Time Nasa Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do full time nasa test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time nasa 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 Full Time Nasa Test Pilot vs Military Test Pilot?

AspectFull Time Nasa Test PilotMilitary Test Pilot
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, pilot certification, test pilot schoolMilitary pilot training, flight hours, test pilot school
Work EnvironmentNASA facilities, aircraft testing, research settingsMilitary bases, aircraft testing ranges, combat zones
Employer & IndustryNASA, aerospace researchMilitary branches, defense industry

Both roles require extensive flight experience, specialized training, and test pilot certification. Full Time NASA Test Pilots focus on research and experimental aircraft within a civilian aerospace environment, while Military Test Pilots operate in defense settings, often with combat training. The choice depends on career goals in civilian aerospace versus military service.

More about Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Nasa Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs are:
Full Time Nasa Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Nasa Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Principal Test Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Dayton, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.

Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Principal Test Engineer, you will offer mentorship to test engineers and serve as a technical subject matter expert for test events and documentation peer reviews. You will spearhead complex testing initiatives, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance.
Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles.
The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.
Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead strategic planning for testing initiatives and projects.
  • Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies and processes.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to test engineering teams.
  • Oversee the execution of the most critical and complex testing projects.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive testing excellence.
  • Ensure that the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations, to conduct tests safely and effectively.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field.
  • 14+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Extensive experience in advanced testing principles and methodologies.
  • Thorough understanding and ability to interpret engineering principles and practices.
  • Progressive Experience leading in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
  • Advanced Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
  • Demonstrated expertise planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Test Pilot School or National Test Pilot School, etc.
  • Recognized contributions to the field of test engineering.
  • Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing.
  • Extensive experience authoring complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements.
  • Experience Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
  • Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e. FAA, NASA, DoD).
  • Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards.
  • Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.
  • Extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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