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Nasa Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH

$125K - $150K/yr

... test engineers, flight operations, pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and ... Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge $125,000 - $150,000 a ...

ACR Electronics Inc

Quality Inspector

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

... pilots, hunters, hikers, climbers, cyclists, and combat troops, not to mention many of the leading ... Since 1956, ACR's wide range of survival products has been the choice of NASA, the U.S. Military ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

... test engineers, flight operations, pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and ... Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge $125,000 - $150,000 a ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical ... Drug test clearance wherever applicable * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical ... Drug test clearance wherever applicable * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical ... Drug test clearance wherever applicable * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical ... Drug test clearance wherever applicable * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal ...

BWX Technologies

Lead Process Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$92K - $142K/yr

Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical ... test new manufacturing/chemical processing approaches to upscale current pilot production to full ...

BWX Technologies

Lead Process Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$92K - $142K/yr

Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical ... test new manufacturing/chemical processing approaches to upscale current pilot production to full ...

Red 6

Staff Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive ... optics, test, and airworthiness teams to ensure technical performance, compliance, and mission ...

AIRCO

Process Operator III (New Britain, PA)

New Britain, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down reactor systems across lab, pilot, and production scales ... Adjust, test, and operate pumps, valves, and controls. * Monitor and interpret process data using ...

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All JobsNasa Test Pilot Jobs

Nasa Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do nasa test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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.

How much does a test pilot get paid?

Test pilots at NASA typically earn between $80,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and seniority. They require specialized training, certifications, and often have military or aviation backgrounds, which influence compensation levels.

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 to become a test pilot for NASA?

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. Military test pilot schools or civilian flight test training programs are often required, and applicants must demonstrate exceptional flying skills, technical knowledge, and physical fitness. NASA values candidates with experience in high-performance aircraft and strong problem-solving abilities.

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.

Does NASA have test pilots?

Yes, NASA employs test pilots who are highly skilled aviators responsible for testing new aircraft and spacecraft. These pilots typically have extensive flight experience, specialized training, and often hold engineering or scientific degrees to evaluate vehicle performance and safety in demanding environments.

How much do NASA test pilots make?

NASA test pilots typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, seniority, and specific responsibilities. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications in aeronautics or aerospace engineering and perform high-risk flight testing in specialized aircraft and spacecraft environments.
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:
What job categories do people searching Nasa Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nasa Test Pilot jobs are:
Nasa Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 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.
Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

LTA Research

Akron, OH

$125K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Lead Capturing and Finalizing Software Requirements in collaboration with flight test engineers, flight operations, pilots, and other cross functional stake holders
  • Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship.
  • Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and integration activities.
  • Develop comprehensive test sets for validation and verification of released software.
  • Lead root cause analysis of issues stemming from internal and external test activities.
  • Lead software development in conjunction with other systems to Verify & Validate repeatability and reliability on the Airship meeting quality and timing requirements.
  • Develop and establish requirements for associated Simulation software.
  • Create and maintain Simulation software design documentation and test reports.
  • Lead various levels of Software Releases for various testing and final usage Airship.
  • Lead Software Change Request, Merge Request, Software Review, etc. activities
  • Lead Software Engineering project related development activities.
  • Collaborate with various cross functional teams.
  • Lead and/or Support training activities.
Qualifications
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.
  • 7/5 years of experience in a similar Senior Software Engineer role and responsibilities.
  • Proficient in Real Time Operating System and Embedded Systems based development.
  • Proficient in C#, C++, RTOS, Python, and Scripting.
  • Proficient with GitLab based CI-CD software build toolchain and release.
  • Proficient in common software validation practices and standards.
  • Detail oriented and well organized with excellent communication skills.
  • Self-Starter as well as a Team player, with a can-do attitude and a desire to learn.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with aviation standards such as DO-178C or equivalent industry standards.
  • Experience working with EE hardware interfaces such as MCU, Communication, Sensors, Actuators, etc.
  • Experience working with C and/or embedded C.
  • Experience working with PLC systems and HMI.
  • Experience in development of UI for cockpit, instrument cluster, equipment.
  • Basic front-end and back-end software architecture-based development.
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

$125,000 - $150,000 a year
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. 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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