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Military Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin

F-35 Test Pilot-Level 5

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$156K - $275K/yr

... military or recognized Test Pilot School (TPS). • SECRET or higher security clearance. • Must be willing to travel and have a valid U.S. passport. EEO Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

This is a Title 32 Excepted Service National Guard Employee Position Description Which Requires Military Membership*** As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (MTP) (Title 32) with the Texas ...

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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 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.
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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.
UAV Test Pilots

UAV Test Pilots

SURVICE Engineering Company

Churchville, MD • On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!

Why SURVICE?

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!

Position

UAV Test Pilots

  • Location: Churchville, Maryland
  • Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
  • Salary: $28/HR - $33/HR Depending on Experience and Education
  • Travel: 20%
  • Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary

SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking UAV Test Pilots to support our Chesapeake Production Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • UAV test pilot with acillary duties related to UAV system and subsystem assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • UAV research, development, and testing. Must have Pilot's license and be able to operate Group 3 aircraft.
  • Will perform test flights, troubleshooting, training, and create test procedures related to various unmanned vehicles.
  • UAV pilots will also support end user training events and field demonstration events that may require domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications of UAV Test Pilot

High School Diploma Required | Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science preferred and 1+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.

  • Aircraft operation, safety, testing, training, procedure development.
  • Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license.
  • Specific knowledge of military aircraft systems preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of unmanned rotorcraft preferred.
  • Experience building, repairing, troubleshooting electronic systems - especially remote control vehicles, robotics, etc.

About Us

SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.


SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro