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Nasa Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/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 $85,000 - $140,000 a ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/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 $85,000 - $140,000 a ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/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 SMS Text Messaging ...

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Nasa Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do nasa test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 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 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.

What is a NASA Test Pilot job?

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.

How hard is it to get a job at JPL?

Becoming a NASA test pilot is highly competitive, requiring extensive flight experience, engineering knowledge, and often military or aerospace backgrounds. Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, advanced pilot certifications, and demonstrated expertise in high-performance aircraft or spacecraft testing. The selection process is rigorous, emphasizing technical skills, problem-solving ability, and safety record.

How much does a test pilot make?

Test pilots at NASA typically earn between $80,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and seniority. They often hold advanced engineering or aviation certifications and work in highly specialized environments that require extensive training and skill.

How do you become a NASA test pilot?

To become a NASA test pilot, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical 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 logged thousands of flight hours in high-performance aircraft. Selection also requires strong problem-solving skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work in high-stress environments, with many test pilots having military backgrounds or experience in experimental aircraft testing.

How much do NASA test pilots get paid?

NASA test pilots are highly skilled aerospace professionals who typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and seniority. Compensation includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for specialized training in flight testing and aircraft systems.
More about Nasa Test Pilot jobs
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Nasa Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

LTA Research

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA.
We're looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test 'firsts' and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & 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
  • 1-3+ 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.

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

$85,000 - $140,000 a year
SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance)
LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications.
We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use.
Message Frequency & Opt-Out:
Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP.
Consent & Privacy:
Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential.
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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