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Maintenance Test Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Work with project test leads to develop and maintain test mission scenarios, test procedures, test ... Operational experience as a Pilot or CSO/NFO of USAF, USN, or USMC 4th or 5th generation fighter ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Work with project test leads to develop and maintain test mission scenarios, test procedures, test ... Operational experience as a Pilot or CSO/NFO of USAF, USN, or USMC 4th or 5th generation fighter ...

Scaled Composites

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$120K - $181K/yr

The FTE will work with the project technical leadership and test pilots to design and generate test ... Writes and maintains program test plan and program specific emergency response plan. * Generates ...

Socket.dev

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely ... Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better). * Familiarity with ...

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Maintenance Test Pilot information

See California salary details

$80.4K

$103.7K

$173.7K

How much do maintenance test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for maintenance test pilot in California is $103,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a maintenance test pilot?

A Maintenance Test Pilot conducts test flights to evaluate aircraft performance after maintenance, repairs, or modifications. They ensure that the aircraft meets operational and safety standards before being returned to service. This role requires in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems, troubleshooting, and flight testing procedures. Maintenance Test Pilots work closely with engineers, mechanics, and other aviation professionals to diagnose and resolve issues. Their assessments help verify airworthiness and maintain operational readiness.

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

To thrive as a Maintenance Test Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot’s license, in-depth understanding of aircraft systems, and extensive flight experience—specifically in conducting post-maintenance test flights. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, flight data recording equipment, maintenance documentation systems, and relevant airworthiness regulations is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication enable seamless collaboration with maintenance teams and clear reporting of test results. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring aircraft safety, compliance, and optimal performance after repairs or modifications.

What are some typical challenges faced by maintenance test pilots on the job?

Maintenance Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle or intermittent system issues that only appear under specific flight conditions. They must work closely with aircraft maintenance teams to interpret technical data, conduct thorough post-maintenance checks, and ensure all issues are resolved before returning the aircraft to service. The role can involve working in changing weather conditions, adapting to irregular schedules, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong technical acumen, clear communication, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

What are popular job titles related to Maintenance Test Pilot jobs in California?

For Maintenance Test Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Maintenance Test Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Maintenance Test Pilot jobs in California are:

Maintenance Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Maintenance Test Pilot job openings in California 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,733 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Test & Evalulation Instructor/SME

ABSI Aerospace and Defense

Edwards, CA • On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Location: Edwards AFB, CA
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Clearance Type: Top Secret
Work Schedule: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
Positions Supervised: USAFTPS Contract Team
Travel: Occasional
DESCRIPTION:
ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an innovative small business headquartered in the St Mary's County Innovation District located in Southern Maryland, a short distance from Naval Air Systems Command. At its core, ABSI is a technical solutions company committed to rapidly delivering emerging technologies that create asymmetric advantages for our customers. This is only made possible by employing and retaining world-class subject matter experts and personnel equally committed to our mission. To support our workforce, ABSI offers highly competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, excellent benefits, instant 401K vesting and a full cafeteria plan that employees can tailor to their individual needs.
ABSI is contracted to develop and support the Space Test Course being provided by the US Air Force Test Pilot School specifically for US Space Force personnel including operators, engineers, and program managers. The in-residence course is being offered two times a year with dedicated facilities onboard Edwards AFB and a customized curriculum based on USAFTPS coursework. This position will provide instruction for both the Space Test Course and the Flight Test Course students. Areas of focus will be Test foundations and Human System Integration (HSI). Test foundations include test planning, test conduct, test reporting, data analysis, Systems Engineering and HSI. Instructors may be called upon to instruct in other subjects in which they possess expertise as needed to support the USAFTPS mission. In addition, this position will act as program manager for this contract.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Test and Evaluation Instructor/SME will be responsible for:
  • Delivering instruction to adult learners in classroom, lab and field environments
  • Developing and refining instructional materials for use in the course
  • Coordinating and collaborating with other instructors for course development, maintenance and delivery
  • Coordinating with Space Force and USAF Test Pilot School course sponsors to manage the course to include incorporating sponsor feedback in course updates
  • Providing one on one feedback on student work throughout the course
  • Coordinating instructor, guest lecturer and field trip schedules as needed
  • Collecting formal and informal student feedback to support recommendations for course improvements and ongoing updates
  • Coordinate with USAF Test Pilot School course manager to ensure course logistical and administrative support requirements are planned and executed for each class
  • Provide program management support to include managing the ABSI workforce and interfacing with he customer to ensure contract requirements are met
  • Qualified and appropriately rated pilots may perform flying duties during hands-on flight exercises
  • Performing other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or scientific discipline with at least 8 years of active flight test or test pilot school instructional experience.
  • Thorough working knowledge of test and evaluation
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills and experience/comfort briefing all levels of personnel.
  • Experience planning, conducting and reporting on Government Test and Evaluation activities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree and Test Pilot School graduates (USAF, USN, Empire, or EPNER) highly preferred
  • Experience providing professional instruction to adult learners
  • Space related experience or educational background
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based collaborative resources such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: ABSI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ABSI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ABSI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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