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Production Test Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Productive Playhouse

Polish AI Product Tester

Troy, MI · On-site +1

$250/wk

This is project-based work, and there is no guarantee of additional work beyond the pilot period ... Originally founded as an educational production company, Productive Playhouse made a mark with our ...

Qualus

Sr. Relay Field Technician

Walled Lake, MI

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Support in writing procedures and/or test plans in support of maintenance and construction ... carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber optic, CVT's, line tuners, line traps, etc ...

Qualus

Sr. Relay Field Technician

Walled Lake, MI · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Support in writing procedures and/or test plans in support of maintenance and construction ... carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber optic, CVT's, line tuners, line traps, etc ...

tesa

Adhesive Product Developer

Sparta, MI · On-site

Create, build, and evaluate prototypes (lab, pilot, and production trials) and communicate findings ... test methods relevant to target applications (e.g., unwind, tack, peel, shear, temperature ...

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All JobsProduction Test Pilot JobsProduction Test Pilot Jobs in Michigan

Production Test Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$56

How much do production test pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for production test pilot in Michigan is $21.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Production Test Pilot vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectProduction Test PilotFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, type ratings, flight experienceEngineering degree, flight testing certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft testing during manufacturing or certificationDesigning and analyzing flight tests, often on the ground or in the air
Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, certification agenciesAircraft development, aerospace companies

Production Test Pilots primarily operate aircraft during manufacturing and certification processes, focusing on safety and performance. Flight Test Engineers design and analyze flight tests, often working behind the scenes to evaluate aircraft systems. While both roles involve aircraft testing, Production Test Pilots are hands-on pilots, whereas Flight Test Engineers focus on planning and data analysis.

What is a production test pilot?

Production Test Pilots are specialized pilots responsible for flying newly manufactured or modified aircraft to ensure they meet safety and performance standards before delivery to clients or entry into service. They conduct thorough evaluations by testing aircraft systems, avionics, and handling characteristics under various flight conditions. Their feedback is crucial for identifying any issues and verifying that the aircraft complies with regulatory and manufacturer specifications. Production Test Pilots work closely with engineers, mechanics, and quality assurance teams throughout the testing process.

What are some common challenges faced by production test pilots during aircraft evaluation, and how are they typically addressed?

Production Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as diagnosing subtle mechanical or avionics issues, adapting to different aircraft configurations, and ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards. These pilots must maintain clear communication with engineering and maintenance teams to accurately document and resolve discrepancies. Regular briefings, detailed checklists, and collaborative troubleshooting are key practices that help address these challenges and ensure the aircraft is airworthy before customer delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production test pilot?

To thrive as a Production Test Pilot, you need an FAA commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, extensive flight experience, and in-depth knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data analysis software, and relevant safety protocols is essential. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills set top test pilots apart when evaluating aircraft performance and working with engineering teams. These competencies ensure accurate testing, safety, and effective feedback, which are critical for certifying new or modified aircraft for safe operation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan? For Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Production Test Pilot jobs in Michigan are:
Production Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Test Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,140 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - JOB #1126

Enstrom Helicopter

Menominee, MI • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Flight Test EngineerPOSITION SUMMARY

The Flight Test Engineer is a member of the Flight Test Department and is responsible for planning, preparing, executing, analyzing, and documenting aircraft ground and flight-test activities.

The position supports the complete flight-test lifecycle, from initial test-request evaluation and test-plan development through test execution, data analysis, reporting, and closure. The Flight Test Engineer works closely with flight-test pilots, design engineers, certification personnel, maintenance, quality, and other technical groups to ensure testing is conducted safely, efficiently, and with clearly defined objectives, configurations, procedures, and acceptance criteria.

The Flight Test Engineer also supports the continued development of the company’s flight-test organization, including standardized test methods, flight cards, test-readiness processes, configuration-control practices, data-management methods, safety reviews, and technical reporting standards.

Testing may support research and development, product improvement, troubleshooting, production, continued airworthiness, and FAA certification programs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ROLEPosition Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft ground and flight tests supporting development, certification, troubleshooting, continued airworthiness, and other approved company programs.
  • Develop flight-test plans, flight cards, test procedures, test reports, and flight-test inputs to certification and compliance documentation.
  • Program and operate data acquisition systems.
  • Perform data reduction, analysis, and documentation of test results.
  • Plan and install instrumentation, strain gauges, and associated wiring.
  • Calibrate and maintain test instrumentation and equipment.
  • Coordinate the design and use of test facilities and specialized test equipment.
  • Determine, verify, and document aircraft loading, weight, center of gravity, and test configuration for ground and flight-test activities.
  • Coordinate with pilots and support pre-flight and post-flight briefings.
  • Support test-article conformity, certification test readiness, TIA testing, and other assigned FAA certification activities.
  • Coordinate assigned flight-test activities with FAA personnel, FAA designees, and other regulatory representatives in coordination with Certification Engineering and program leadership.
  • Prepare test reports, test records, data packages, and technical inputs supporting Type Inspection Reports and other certification documentation.
  • Support safety-of-flight reviews, test-readiness reviews, design reviews, and other engineering reviews requiring flight-test input.
  • Support company programs and other technical groups through flight-test activities assigned and prioritized by the Flight Test Department.
  • Perform other flight-test-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant aerospace engineering experience.
  • Knowledge of aircraft structures, systems, rotorcraft dynamics, aerodynamics, and powerplants.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, and technical reports.
  • Experience with instrumentation, strain gauges, data acquisition systems, and wiring.
  • Proficiency with data acquisition software; LabVIEW experience preferred.
  • Understanding of FAA regulations, certification processes, and compliance requirements.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Basic CAD experience, including SolidWorks or similar software.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Flight Test Analyst experience.
  • Flight Test Pilot experience.
  • FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) designation.
  • Experience supporting rotorcraft certification programs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to work in office and flight line environments.
  • Ability to access aircraft, test equipment, and elevated work areas.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to travel occasionally in support of certification, testing, supplier, or customer activities.
  • Ability to work extended hours as required to support flight test schedules and certification milestones.

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