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Nasa Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Partners with Flight Ops Manager and Engineering team to ensure test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations * Collaborates with customer pilots * Engage with program ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Partners with Flight Ops Manager and Engineering team to ensure test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations * Collaborates with customer pilots * Engage with program ...

Northrop Grumman

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Northrop Grumman's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for ...

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

$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 ...

Skyryse

Experimental Test Pilot

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during ... Partner with Flight Test Engineers to translate high-level requirements into executable test ...

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 ...

Skyryse

Experimental Test Pilot

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during ... Partner with Flight Test Engineers to translate high-level requirements into executable test ...

Wisk

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

Wisk Aero LLC

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely ... Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred ...

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Nasa Flight Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do nasa flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa flight 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 Nasa Flight Test Pilot vs Nasa Pilot?

AspectNasa Flight Test PilotNasa Pilot
Required CredentialsCommercial pilot license, extensive flight hours, test pilot certification, engineering or scientific backgroundCommercial pilot license, flight hours, basic pilot training
Work EnvironmentTest flights, experimental aircraft, high-risk testing scenariosStandard aircraft operations, research missions, training flights
Employer & Industry UsageNASA's experimental and test flight programsNASA's research, transportation, and support missions

In summary, Nasa Flight Test Pilots are specialized professionals conducting experimental and test flights requiring advanced certifications and experience. Nasa Pilots typically perform standard flight operations within NASA's broader mission scope. The key difference lies in the complexity and risk level of their flight duties.

Does NASA have test pilots?

Yes, NASA employs test pilots who are highly experienced aviators responsible for testing new aircraft and spacecraft. These pilots typically hold advanced flight certifications, have extensive flight hours, and often participate in specialized training for space vehicle testing and safety protocols.

How to become a Nasa Flight Test Pilot?

To become a NASA Flight Test Pilot, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field, along with extensive experience as a military or civilian pilot with high-performance aircraft. They must also have a commercial pilot license, flight hours in experimental or test aircraft, and demonstrate strong technical and leadership skills. Additional training in test piloting and familiarity with NASA's aircraft and procedures are also required.

What are popular job titles related to Nasa Flight Test Pilot jobs?

For Nasa Flight Test Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nasa Flight Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$214K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for developmental test of military aircraft. Candidate may conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

Responsibilities include developing test techniques, assisting in cockpit/workstation design, working with flight test engineers creating test plans, developing test products, evaluating systems in the laboratory environment, simulation, ground test, flight test, and reporting on test results. Selected candidate must successfully complete initial and recurrent training and qualifications as a basis for continued employment. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

This position is located 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research efforts to ensure man-machine interface issues and requirements are identified for new or modified aircraft designs

  • Plan, develop and execute test flights on aircraft to verify airworthiness and performance capability; validate and verify compliance with specifications and to determine operational effectiveness and/or suitability

  • Partners with Flight Ops Manager and Engineering team to ensure test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations

  • Collaborates with customer pilots

  • Engage with program IPTs and REs to ensure air vehicle and ground station designs/modifications are effective and suitable

  • Provides test pilot inputs at FRR, TRRs and SRBs ensuring safe conduct of all NGAS flight test missions

  • Ensures best practices and lessons learned are shared with other program pilots

  • Provides engineering test pilot expertise and safety guidance to flight test engineers for design definition, simulator flights, test planning, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting and proposal preparation

  • Provide test pilot inputs to System Safety to ensure safe conduct of flight test missions

  • Provides pilot inputs into development of preliminary flight manuals and aircrew checklists

  • Maintain proficiencies and currencies

  • Promotes active involvement in flight test professional societies and industry forums; fully supports Test Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Flight Test Safety Summit

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor degree plus 12 years of related experience OR Master's plus 10 years of related experience OR PhD plus 9 years of related experience.

  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

  • Must have an active US Government secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

  • FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot

  • Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command

  • Current FAA Class II Medical or higher

  • Military Test Pilot School (TPS) Graduate

  • Experience in flight testing, with ability to work with engineering to develop solutions to integration issues, and to bridge between the customer users and Northrop Grumman designers

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current, proficient, and qualified in military aircraft

  • Current DoD Top Secret clearance

  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

  • Excellent communications skills, including the ability to brief test results to executive leadership

Primary Level Salary Range: $214,200.00 - $321,200.00The 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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