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Pilot Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

MD · Remote

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

MD · Remote

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

U.S. Army Forces Command

PILOT

Aberdeen, MD · On-site +1

$142K - $185K/yr

This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include ... Please note - the pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the ...

Freeman Holdings Group

Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

$110K/yr

Act as Pilot-In-Command during Part 135 Operations * Must be able to operate a King Air 200/90 in ... Must be able to complete training, drug testing, and, as needed, a medical examination in ...

Freeman Jet Center - Abilene

Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

$110K/yr

Act as Pilot-In-Command during Part 135 Operations * Must be able to operate a King Air 200/90 in ... Must be able to complete training, drug testing, and, as needed, a medical examination in ...

Freeman Jet Center

Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

$110K/yr

Act as Pilot-In-Command during Part 135 Operations * Must be able to operate a King Air 200/90 in ... Must be able to complete training, drug testing, and, as needed, a medical examination in ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

Flock

Product Deployment Specialist

Austin, TX · Remote

$60K - $80K/yr

Execute hands-on installations and pilot testing directly in the field, identifying operational friction points to refine product design and installation workflows. * Partner with Product Management ...

Flock

Product Deployment Specialist

Austin, TX

$60K - $80K/yr

Execute hands-on installations and pilot testing directly in the field, identifying operational friction points to refine product design and installation workflows. * Partner with Product Management ...

Flock Safety

Product Deployment Specialist

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$60K - $80K/yr

Execute hands-on installations and pilot testing directly in the field, identifying operational friction points to refine product design and installation workflows. * Partner with Product Management ...

Airbus

Pilot

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminacion (Spanish) Are you an experienced rotorcraft pilot with a passion for teaching, flight testing, and shaping the next generation of aviators? Airbus ...

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Pilot Testing information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do pilot testing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot testing 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 pilot testing?

Pilot testing is a preliminary trial or small-scale implementation of a process, product, or service to evaluate its feasibility, identify issues, and make improvements before full-scale launch. It helps organizations detect potential problems, assess outcomes, and gather feedback from a limited user group. This process is essential for minimizing risks, improving quality, and ensuring successful implementation in the actual environment.

What are some common challenges faced during pilot testing and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge during pilot testing is ensuring that test participants accurately represent the target user group, which is crucial for collecting valid feedback. Another challenge is managing unforeseen technical issues or system errors that may arise during the testing process. These can be addressed by carefully selecting a diverse set of participants, providing clear instructions, and having technical support available to swiftly resolve issues. Effective communication with stakeholders and thorough documentation of findings also help in refining the product before wider rollout.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and strong aeronautical decision-making skills, often supported by a degree in aviation or related field. Proficiency with flight management systems, navigation tools, and simulators, along with certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, communication, and stress management are crucial soft skills for handling dynamic flight environments. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations under varying conditions.

What is the difference between Pilot Testing vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectPilot TestingQuality Assurance Tester
Primary FocusInitial testing of a new product or process in a real-world environmentSystematic testing to identify defects and ensure quality before release
Work EnvironmentReal-world or field settings, often during product launchControlled testing environments, labs, or development settings
Required CredentialsRelevant technical knowledge, sometimes certifications in testing or industry-specific standardsTesting certifications (e.g., ISTQB), technical skills, attention to detail
Industry UsageUsed during product rollout phases, especially in software, manufacturing, or aerospaceCommon across software, hardware, and manufacturing industries for quality control

In summary, Pilot Testing involves real-world testing of a new product or process before full deployment, focusing on initial validation. Quality Assurance Testers conduct systematic testing to ensure product quality and identify defects before release. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, environment, and purpose.

More about Pilot Testing jobs

What states have the most Pilot Testing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pilot Testing jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Testing jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Testing jobs are:

Pilot Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

UAS Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

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