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Full Time Nasa Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$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 ...

Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret CERTIFICATION: TRAVEL: as needed Astrion has ... Flight Safety Course, Weapons School or Test Pilot School. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops and plans ...

Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret CERTIFICATION: TRAVEL: as needed Astrion has ... Flight Safety Course, Weapons School or Test Pilot School. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops and plans ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety ... Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Nasa Test Pilot information

See salary details

$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.

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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:
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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.

$170K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) Aircrew member performs duties in support of the operations of all aircraft assigned to applicable base location. Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe operations are provided as tasked. Aircraft are operated to meet Agency platform, research, and support aircraft requirements. AFRC aircraft are located at the main campus at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Deployed operations, both CONUS and OCONUS, are routine for these aircrew positions.

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 Air, C-20A, F-18 A/B, F-15 B/D, RQ-4 Global Hawk, T-34C, TG-14.

Pay Range $170,000-$185,000.

The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

To learn more about the work done at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) check out these videos: 

Advancing NASA’s mission to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center 2023 Highlights


  • Conducting flight operations in accordance with FAA, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and other applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
  • Maintaining performance standards in accordance with directives, training plans and Flight Crew Branch policies to include: Knowledge of safety precautions, Knowledge of airfield operations.
  • Demonstrating Emergency Bold Face procedures from memory, and Knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations and ATC regulations / procedures.
  • Participating in i3 and NASA-directed Continuation Training, meetings, and other forums mandated by the on-site management team.
  • Performing any and all on-site tasks necessary at operating locations for a safe, secure, and professional operation.
  • Direct support to any administrative or flight operations scheduling / record keeping as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Candidate must also maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements in accordance with NPR 7900.3C, NPD 7900.4D, AFPD 8700.1 and AFOP 7900.3-006 as applicable.

NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic simulator training.

NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for aircrew.


Required Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited university or college (Required), with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics (Desired).
  • Must be able to pass random drug screenings. (Required)
  • Possess a current US passport, valid through period of employment. (Required)
  • Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or applicable civilian experience. (Highly Desired)
  • Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required)
  • Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots preferred to have at least 1000 hours in the U-2 and have been a current U-2 pilot within the past five years to be qualified to begin duty as a NASA ER-2 (Highly Desired).
  • Must meet the security requirements of the position and pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification (Required).

Required Experience:

  • Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor providing direct support to NASA AFRC staff as required.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must be able to create, maintain and update briefings and statistical reporting.
  • Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Light to medium work.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, see, hear, stoop, crouch, feel, handle; manual dexterity.
  • Outside work. Ability to tolerate conditions in a deployed environment to include inclement weather, rain, humidity, cold and extreme heat. May be exposed to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and confined spaces.
  • Close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and instructions; procedures, safety instructions, memos, reports.
  • Ability to write at a level to relay data, details and information.
  • Ability to perform shop math.
  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely to relay information.

Office conditions:

  • Moderate noise level.
  • May be required to sit at computer station and/or type on keyboard for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to lift objects such as laptop and office copy paper.
  • May be required to view and read computer monitor for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to take verbal messages per phone and face-to-face contact.
  • Will occasionally be required to stand and walk to deliver items within office or on the flight line.

Flight line working conditions:

  • Will be required to work day or night.
  • May be exposed to high noise levels.
  • Will be required to fly long missions (up to 12 hours) at high altitude in a confined space.

May be subject to the altitude or physiological risks normally associated with flying.


i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.  

Perks of being a team member owner include:

  • Long-term financial security
  • Higher job satisfaction
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  • Personal and professional growth
  • Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

  • Excellent insurance coverage
  • 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO
  • Health and wellness incentives
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

 

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