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Military Test 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 ...

Lockheed Martin

Test Pilot C-130J-Level 5

Marietta, GA · On-site

This position is in Marietta, GA à Discover Marietta. aeroflightops Basic Qualifications • Military Test Pilot School (TPS) graduate from a US DOD-approved school • Pilot with at least 1500 ...

Scaled Composites

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for ... Military TPS Graduate, highly preferred. Required Skills/Abilities: * Knowledgeable of Federal ...

Moog, Inc.

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight test and evaluation projects for Moog Avionics. This includes testing fixed wing ...

Moog

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight test and evaluation projects for Moog Avionics. This includes testing fixed wing ...

KBR

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J ... Minimum 10 years of aviation experience with at least 3 years as a Test Project Officer in military ...

Slope

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$129 - $171/hr

S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology ... This position will be filled by a highly motivated Senior Test Pilot with a passion for ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

Possess FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training * Recent experience in formation / chase. * Experience as a test pilot in heavy multi-engine turbine aircraft * Six years of ...

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Boston, MA · On-site

$135 - $250/hr

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements

KBR, Inc.

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J ... Minimum 10 years of aviation experience with at least 3 years as a Test Project Officer in military ...

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements

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Military Test Pilot information

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How much do military test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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 Military Test Pilot vs Commercial Test Pilot?

AspectMilitary Test PilotCommercial Test Pilot
CredentialsMilitary pilot certification, specialized test pilot trainingCommercial pilot license, type ratings, test pilot certification
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense contractors, aircraft testing facilitiesAircraft manufacturers, private testing facilities, commercial airlines
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense industryAircraft manufacturers, private aerospace companies

Both Military Test Pilots and Commercial Test Pilots require specialized training and certifications. Military Test Pilots focus on testing military aircraft in defense settings, often working for the armed forces. Commercial Test Pilots test civilian aircraft for manufacturers or private companies, often in commercial environments. While their roles differ in purpose and environment, both careers demand high skill levels and rigorous testing experience.

How much do military test pilots make?

Military test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They often hold specialized certifications and work in high-stakes environments, with salaries increasing with seniority and additional responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Military Test Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a strong engineering background (often with a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering), and completion of military test pilot school. Proficiency with flight testing software, simulation systems, and avionics testing equipment is typically required, along with security clearances. Exceptional decision-making, risk management, and communication skills help pilots work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and handle high-pressure situations. These skills ensure that new aircraft and systems are evaluated safely and accurately, directly impacting mission success and operational safety.

What are some of the unique challenges military test pilots face during aircraft evaluation flights?

Military test pilots frequently encounter unique challenges, such as operating prototype aircraft with unproven systems, managing unexpected technical anomalies, and executing complex test maneuvers under strict safety protocols. They must maintain rigorous attention to detail while documenting flight data, and work closely with engineers and ground crews to communicate findings and recommend modifications. This role requires a high level of adaptability and composure, as pilots often need to make rapid decisions in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable flight conditions.

What is a military test pilot?

Military Test Pilots are highly trained aviators who conduct flight tests on new or modified military aircraft to evaluate their performance, handling, and safety. They work closely with engineers and designers to assess aircraft systems, identify any issues, and recommend improvements. Their role is critical in ensuring that military aircraft meet rigorous operational and safety standards before entering service. Military Test Pilots often have extensive flying experience and must complete specialized test pilot training programs.

How do I become a military test pilot?

To become a military test pilot, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field, along with extensive flight experience and a military pilot certification. They must complete specialized training at a military test pilot school and often have several years of operational flying experience before qualifying for test pilot roles.
More about Military Test Pilot jobs
What job categories do people searching Military Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Test Pilot jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Military Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 - $302,200.00The 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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