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Nasa Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Socket.dev

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

LTA Research

$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 ...

Airbus

Test Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft.**Meet the team:**Our Engineers at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing ...

Ag

Test Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft. Meet the team: Our Engineers at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing facility ...

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process. Key Responsibilities: * Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Wisk Aero

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

California, MO · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

VLinc

Flight Test Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew when the test calls for it, work the ... If you have spent time around flight test and want to be the engineer the test team relies on, not ...

VLinc

Flight Test Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew when the test calls for it, work the ... If you have spent time around flight test and want to be the engineer the test team relies on, not ...

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All JobsTravel JobsAviation JobsAerospace Engineer JobsNasa Flight Test Pilot Jobs

Nasa Flight Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

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

As of Sep 14, 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.

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

LTA Research
Aviation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about LTA Researchexternal

$115K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to operate within the Flight Test team. Candidate will work with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. We're looking for an engineer to foster safe, effective flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans and test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground and flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.

Responsibilities
  • Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
  • Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
  • Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
  • Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
  • Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
  • Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
  • Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and 'squawks'.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Travel - Occasional.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experimental flight test experience.
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
  • Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
  • Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
  • Private Pilot or higher rating.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Aptitude with Python coding.
  • Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
  • Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
  • Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
What We Offer!
  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
$115,000 - $170,000 a year
 
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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