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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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA

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 ...

Reliable Robotics

Lead Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... CFII or military flight instructor * Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated ...

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Military Test Pilot information

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How much do military test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Military Test Pilot, and why are they important?

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 are Military Test Pilots?

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.
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:
Military Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Staff Test Pilot

Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD

$204K - $306K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, located in Baltimore, MD, has an immediate need for a Staff Test Pilot for Flight Test Operations.

This organization provides flight test capabilities for the development, assessment and demonstration of NGC products and systems.

The responsibilities of the Staff Test Pilot include:

  • Perform research and development flight test in support sensor development intended for a wide variety of applications and in various states of technical maturity.
  • Maintain currency and proficiency in multiple aircraft types.
  • Plan and execute flight operations in support of sensor development throughout the National Airspace System to include Special Use Airspace, participation in military exercises, and cooperation with military assets.
  • Plan and execute test flights to verify analysis in support of aircraft modifications.
  • Provide technical support and liaison with program teams in support of sensor integration.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications for the Staff Test Pilot:

  • Bachelors of Science degree with 12 years or more of professional/military experience - OR - a Master's degree with 10 years or more professional/military experience
  • Pilot graduate (long-course) of a military test pilot school (USNTPS, USAFTPS, ETPS or EPNER)
  • Minimum three years of test pilot experience in developmental and/or operational flight test
  • FAA Commercial Multi-Engine Land pilot certificate without a centerline thrust restriction
  • FAA Second Class Medical
  • Minimum 1500 hours First Pilot (USN/USMC) or Primary (USAF) flight time in turbojet, turbofan or turboprop aircraft
  • Current ACTIVE DoD Secret clearance or higher within the past two years with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications for the Staff Test Pilot:

  • Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
  • FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating
  • Previous experience in aircraft modifications, configuration and control and technical/operational review boards
  • Familiar with government flight test organizations, ranges, and processes
  • Technically and operationally familiar with airborne radar systems
  • FAA type ratings and experience in multi-engine, non-centerline thrust aircraft

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $204,500.00 - $306,700.00The 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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