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Graduate Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

Military Test Pilot School graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilots School, or EPNER * Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance (DoD must be ...

BGI (Ohio)

Adversary Pilot/5th Gen SME

NV · On-site

Position Summary You will serve as a +4th /5th Gen Pilot SME within the Joint Simulated Environmen ... Course graduate, Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics graduate, Navy TOPGUN graduate, or ...

KBR

KC-130 Pilot

California, MD

$155K - $225K/yr

A graduate of one of the following test pilot schools: USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER Test Pilot School Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week. This is a full-time position, but ...

Textron

Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification * USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate * TPS graduate * DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or Civilian ...

Textron

USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification * USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate * TPS graduate * DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or Civilian ...

Amentum

Helicopter Pilot (Instructor)

Fort Novosel, AL · On-site

$55.85/hr

... graduate of any DOD rotary wing instructor pilot course for rotary wing aircraft. * Total Flight Time - 1500 hours. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second-in-command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in ...

XWING

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training * At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours ...

Pae

Helicopter Pilot (Instructor)

Fort Novosel, AL · On-site

$55.85/hr

... graduate of any DOD rotary wing instructor pilot course for rotary wing aircraft. * Total Flight Time - 1500 hours. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second-in-command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate * FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate * FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft

KBR

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

A graduate of one of the following test pilot schools: USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER Test Pilot School Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week. This is a full-time position, but ...

KBR Careers

KC-130 Pilot (Port Hueneme)

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

A graduate of one of the following test pilot schools: USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER Test Pilot School. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 hours/week. This is a full‑time position, but ...

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Graduate Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do graduate pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate pilot?

A Graduate Pilot job is an entry-level position designed for newly qualified pilots to gain professional flying experience. It typically involves structured training programs with mentorship, simulator sessions, and operational flying duties. These roles are commonly offered by airlines, military services, or training academies to help pilots transition from training to full-time aviation careers. Successful candidates will build flight hours, refine their skills, and progress toward more advanced roles, such as First Officer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate pilot?

To excel as a Graduate Pilot, you need a solid foundation in aviation theory, practical flight training, and typically a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation equipment, and simulator training is routinely required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and excellent communication skills distinguish exceptional candidates. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and coordinated operation of flights in a demanding and dynamic environment.

What does the typical training and mentorship process look like for a graduate pilot?

Graduate Pilots usually participate in structured airline training programs that combine classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and supervised flight operations. During this period, you’ll be paired with experienced training captains and mentors who provide guidance, regular feedback, and assessments to help you transition safely to operational duties. You can expect to continually develop technical skills and crew resource management techniques while working closely with flight crews and support staff. This training phase is designed to build your confidence, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress toward becoming a First Officer or Captain.

More about Graduate Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Pilot job openings:
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Graduate Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.  Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Staff Pilot Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization.  This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership team. The CTP will support the design, development, and certification of the aircraft and air system. The CTP will work closely with other Integrated Product Teams, the Chief Engineer, as well as systems engineers including Safety, Airworthiness, and Human Factors teams to validate and verify aircraft design and performance. 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 flight test program
  • Ensure early and effective contributions to air vehicle design, cockpit/crew station design and Pilot Vehicle Interface areas
  • Support the Chief Engineer on various design trades and analysis
  • Chair the pilot working group
  • Provide flight experienced leadership in critical program phases and reviews, such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FRR, and TRR
  • Provide direction to engineers on design definition, simulator flights, test planning, test card writing, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting, and proposal preparation
  • Ensure effective test pilot training, FTE training, MCR training and ensuring proficiency of staff
  • Perform initial flights on prototypes and test articles for new clean sheet air vehicles
  • Plan, develop, and perform flight tests to verify air worthiness, performance capabilities, and mission effectiveness using various simulators, surrogate aircraft, test-bed aircraft, and the program air vehicle.
  • Partner closely with the Directors of Test and Safety to ensure that the test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations
  • Collaborate with Service test pilots as well as Integrated Test Team personnel
  • Develop standards and protocols and ensure lessons learned are communicated with appropriate teams
  • Develop and manage the test vehicle pilot handbook and eventual NATOPS manual

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and 14 years of experience or a Master’s Degree in Science and 12 years of experience or a PhD and 10 years of experience for Senior Staff level position
  • Military Test Pilot School graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilots School, or EPNER
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
  •  Must have the ability to obtain and hold an FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)
  • Must have previous experience as a test pilot in a developmental test program
  • Must have aircraft carrier pilot experience (>150 arrested landings)
  • Must have strong leadership and communication skills with relevant flight test leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Weapons School graduate
  • Must have 5th Generation fighter flight hours
  • Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Land FAA Commercial pilot license
  • 737 Type Certification
  • Knowledge and experience with risk management and mitigation
  • Previous experience leading a military or corporate test organization
  • Master’s degree in a related STEM field

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $201,400.00 - $302,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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