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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 ...

Anduril Industries

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

General Atomics

Test Pilot IV

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Previous experience including Predator, UAV and/or Military aviator or military aviation. * FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft. * Test pilot school graduate.

KBR Careers

KC-130 Pilot

Port Hueneme, CA

$155K - $225K/yr

Title C/KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the ... military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support ...

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All JobsMilitary Test Pilot Jobs

Military Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do military test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Experimental UAS Test Pilot -- Fury Development

Experimental UAS Test Pilot -- Fury Development

Anduril Industries

Victorville, CA

$146K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries seeks an Experimental Test Pilot to support the development and field testing of unmanned aerial systems. You will conduct flight tests, develop test procedures, and work closely with the test engineering team. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of flight test experience and holds a U.S. military test pilot school graduation.

The role offers a competitive salary range of $146,000 – $194,000 and comes with a comprehensive benefits package.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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