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Military Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

KBR

KC-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Title: 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 ...

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

KBR, Inc

KC-130 Pilot

California, MO

$155K - $225K/yr

C/KC-130 Pilot page is loaded## C/KC-130 Pilotlocations: Point Mugu, Californiatime type: Full ... military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support ...

Pae

CH47- Maintenance Test Pilot

Knoxville, TN

The CH47- Maintenance Test Pilot utilizes flight test techniques to perform test flights of ... Initiate and complete all military flight or maintenance forms to document maintenance test flight ...

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Position UAV Test Pilots * Location: Churchville, Maryland * Security Clearance: Active Clearance ... Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license. * Specific knowledge of military ...

Edge Autonomy

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

... tests to evaluate system performance, stability, and reliability * Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC ... Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays

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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.
Maintenance Test Pilot

Maintenance Test Pilot

Strata-G Solutions

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

At Strata-G, we know it takes talented and dedicated people to deliver solutions for a greater cause, and we consider our employees to be our greatest asset. We are a growing, dynamic organization offering diverse challenges to innovative professionals.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Maintenance Test Pilot to join our team supporting CH-47 aircraft operations. In this role, you will oversee and conduct maintenance test flights, ensure compliance with company procedures and FAA regulations, and provide technical guidance on flight and ground operations. The ideal candidate will maintain required flight currency, uphold FAA medical standards, and contribute to the safe and efficient execution of all maintenance flight activities

This position is pending contract award.

Responsibilities

  • Have and maintain an FAA Pilot Certificate (Drone part 107 optional, Commercial Instrument Rotary Wing mandatory)
  • Coordinating Strata-G's Aviation Maintenance Test Flight Operations by preparing guidance, procedures, reviews, and assessments of all documented procedures, help improve/design test flight areas, improve safety of the assigned personnel in maintenance operations.
  • Mentor junior employees in assigned aircraft, provide support to improve safety, quality, and compliance with established procedures.
  • Being Responsible for Maintaining adequately trained personnel available to perform maintenance, and functional check tasks as required for efficient hangar operations.
  • Being Responsible for ensuring that all assigned Personnel, Orientations, and Maintenance Requirements are Performed, Documented and in accordance with DCMA INST 8210 for DoD work, and FAA standards for Civil work.
  • Responsible for maintaining government property and reporting within the scope of any Government Assigned/Provided/Furnished Equipment (GFE)
  • Responsible to complete personal annual performance evaluations and test flight examinations.
  • Provide hiring/firing input as a MTP/ME for assigned Aviation Operations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or in lieu of degree, minimum of 5 years lead/supervisory experience. Military Flight School Graduation Certificate, no adverse actions that would disqualify aviation operations, and Federal Aviation Regulation compliance.
  • FAA Pilot License or US Military Rating as Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, or Maintenance Examiner in rotary wing aircraft and/or Part 107 drone operations
  • Effective communication skills
  • Excellent Pilot and Leadership skills
  • Team Building skills
  • Knowledge of FAA and Military flight requirements including airspace, weather, health and exogenous factors
  • Must be eligible for and able to maintain a Secret Clearance.


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