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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Overview We are seeking a full-time Senior Flight Test Pilot for Garmin's Mesa, AZ location. In ... Helicopter pilot qualifications Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified ...

Pilot Rotor-Classic

Fort Defiance, AZ · On-site

$46.24 - $72.80/hr

Flight Experience: * 2,000 hours of total flight time in a helicopter or CAMTS Equivalency * 100 ... Meet Intermountain Health standards for annual hearing tests * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds ...

Flight Experience: * 2,500 hours of total flight time in a helicopter * 100 hours of cross-country ... Meet Intermountain Health standards for annual hearing tests * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds ...

Helicopter Test Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$75.9K

$98K

$164K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter test pilot in Arizona is $97,950.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $100,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter test pilot?

A Helicopter Test Pilot is responsible for evaluating the performance, safety, and capabilities of helicopters by conducting test flights under various conditions. They assess new aircraft designs, modifications, and system upgrades to ensure they meet regulatory and operational standards. Test pilots work closely with engineers, providing crucial feedback to improve aircraft performance and safety. Their role requires advanced piloting skills, extensive flight experience, and often a background in aerospace engineering or military aviation.

What does a helicopter test pilot do?

A typical day for a Helicopter Test Pilot includes preparing detailed flight plans, conducting ground checks, executing flight tests to evaluate new systems or modifications, and meticulously recording flight data. After flights, test pilots work closely with aerospace engineers and technicians to analyze results, discuss any anomalies, and recommend improvements based on their firsthand observations. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as pilots and engineers regularly meet to review objectives, share safety concerns, and ensure that each test meets regulatory and performance standards. This teamwork ensures that all helicopter systems are thoroughly evaluated and refined for optimal safety and efficiency before reaching customers or entering broader operational use.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Test Pilot, you need advanced piloting expertise, a deep understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft systems, and typically a commercial or military pilot license with significant rotary-wing flight hours. Familiarity with flight data recording equipment, simulation tools, and aviation safety management systems is critical, as well as certifications for specialized test pilot training. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe and precise evaluation of aircraft performance, support efficient teamwork, and uphold rigorous safety standards during test flights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Arizona?

For Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,950 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Senior Flight Test Pilot

Garmin Ltd.

Arizona City, AZ • On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Senior Flight Test Pilot for Garmin's Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.

Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2)
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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