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Nasa Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD). * Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD). * Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

Principal Test Engineer

Vandalia, OH · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD). * Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD). * Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

Principal Test Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States ... FAA, NASA, DoD).* Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

$115 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

New

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts ground and flight tests of modified aircraft. Ensures compliance with NASA regulations ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

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Nasa Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do nasa test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa 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 a NASA test pilot?

A NASA Test Pilot is responsible for flying and evaluating experimental aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation systems to ensure they meet safety and performance requirements. These pilots work closely with engineers, scientists, and mission planners to test new technologies and procedures. They often participate in simulations, provide critical feedback, and help refine aircraft designs before broader implementation. NASA Test Pilots typically have extensive flight experience, often military or commercial, and a strong background in aeronautical engineering or related fields.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a NASA test pilot?

As a NASA Test Pilot, your typical day involves preparing for and conducting test flights, analyzing aircraft performance, and collaborating with engineers and support teams to evaluate experimental systems. You will also participate in safety briefings, review technical data, and document flight results in detailed reports. Frequent coordination with aerospace engineers, mission planners, and other specialists is essential for refining flight objectives and ensuring mission success. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and attention to detail, as daily activities may shift with evolving test schedules and research goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the NASA test pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Test Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a strong background in aeronautical engineering or a related field, and significant flight experience, often supported by a degree and military or civilian test pilot school certification. Proficiency with advanced flight instrumentation, aircraft simulation systems, and flight data analysis tools is required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential for working in multidisciplinary teams and adapting to dynamic test environments. These skills ensure both the safety and effectiveness of high-stakes flight testing, contributing to successful aerospace research and development.

How do you become a NASA test pilot?

To become a NASA test pilot, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics, along with extensive flight experience as a military or civilian pilot. They often hold advanced pilot certifications, such as a commercial or airline transport pilot license, and have experience flying high-performance aircraft. Selection also requires meeting physical and medical standards, and applicants usually undergo rigorous testing and interviews.

How much does a Nasa Test Pilot get paid?

NASA test pilots typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, seniority, and qualifications. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications in aeronautics or related fields and work in highly specialized environments requiring extensive training.
More about Nasa Test Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Test Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Nasa Test Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Nasa Test Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Nasa Test Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Nasa Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Principal Test Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Dayton, OH • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.
SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.
Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Principal Test Engineer, you will offer mentorship to test engineers and serve as a technical subject matter expert for test events and documentation peer reviews. You will spearhead complex testing initiatives, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance.
Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles.
The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.
Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead strategic planning for testing initiatives and projects.
  • Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies and processes.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to test engineering teams.
  • Oversee the execution of the most critical and complex testing projects.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive testing excellence.
  • Ensure that the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations, to conduct tests safely and effectively.

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field.
  • 14+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Extensive experience in advanced testing principles and methodologies.
  • Thorough understanding and ability to interpret engineering principles and practices.
  • Progressive Experience leading in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
  • Advanced Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
  • Demonstrated expertise planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Test Pilot School or National Test Pilot School, etc.
  • Recognized contributions to the field of test engineering.
  • Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing.
  • Extensive experience authoring complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements.
  • Experience Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
  • Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e. FAA, NASA, DoD).
  • Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards.
  • Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.
  • Extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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