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Remote Flight Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merlin Labs

Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew ... Support flight test planning, instrumentation requirements, and test data analysis to gather ...

Tycho AI, Inc

UAS Test Engineer

Knowledge of aerodynamics, UAS piloting, and flight test procedures. * Ability to operate Group 1-3 UAVs. * Strong communication and organizational skills. Nice to have * Proficiency in CAD ...

Titan Echelon, LLC

UAS Pilot

Blackstone, VA · Remote

Conduct flight demonstrations and mission briefings for customers in remote and field environments ... Minimum of 1 year of flight instruction, instructor pilot, or customer-facing technical training ...

GPD Group

UAV Pilot / LiDAR Photogrammetrist

Akron, OH · Remote

Serve as Remote Pilot in Command for heavy-lift platforms carrying LiDAR, RGB, GNSS/INS, and related payloads. * Develop flight plans accounting for terrain, vegetation, structures, airspace, weather ...

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How much do remote flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote flight 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 some common challenges Remote Flight Test Pilots face when coordinating with engineering teams during test campaigns?

Remote Flight Test Pilots often collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure test objectives are met safely and efficiently. A common challenge is maintaining clear, real-time communication, especially when team members are distributed across different locations or time zones. Miscommunication or delays in feedback can affect test schedules and data accuracy. To overcome this, pilots often rely on robust digital collaboration tools and establish regular check-ins to align on test plans, safety protocols, and post-flight data analysis.

What is a Remote Flight Test Pilot?

A Remote Flight Test Pilot is a professional responsible for piloting unmanned or remotely operated aircraft during test flights to evaluate their performance, safety, and functionality. These pilots typically work with drones or other remotely piloted vehicles, often collaborating with engineers and technical teams to collect data and ensure the aircraft meets regulatory and operational standards. Their duties include planning flight tests, monitoring systems, troubleshooting issues, and documenting results to support the development and certification of new aircraft technologies.

What is the difference between Remote Flight Test Pilot vs Remote Flight Test Pilot?

AspectRemote Flight Test Pilot

Since the question compares the same job title, there is no difference between Remote Flight Test Pilot and Remote Flight Test Pilot. Both roles involve testing aircraft remotely, requiring specialized certifications, technical skills, and experience in aviation and remote operation environments. They are used by aerospace companies and research organizations to evaluate aircraft performance without physical presence in the cockpit. The roles share similar work environments, including remote testing facilities and simulation labs, and are often searched together by professionals interested in remote aircraft testing careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Flight Test Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Flight Test Pilot, you need a solid background in aeronautical engineering or aviation science, extensive piloting experience, and appropriate certifications such as a commercial pilot license or remote pilot certification. Familiarity with flight simulation software, telemetry systems, and data analysis tools is essential for capturing and interpreting flight test results. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you address unexpected issues and collaborate with engineering teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient testing of new aircraft systems and technologies.
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What cities are hiring for Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Flight Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs are:
Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Flight Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Aeronautical Test Engineer

Enigma Aerospace

Burlington, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Enigma Aerospace is seeking an Aeronautical Test Engineer to lead the analysis and testing of our next-generation, runway-independent autonomous fixed-wing aircraft. This role will involve significant contributions to aircraft design through analysis, simulation and testing of aircraft and flight subsystems from the benchtop, to ground test, through flight testing, ensuring our aircraft perform as expected and is ready for inclusion in demonstrations, exercises, and sustained flight operations.

This is a cross-functional position that spans aircraft design and analysis, flight test, flight software modifications, avionics/telemetry, instrumentation, and system integration. You’ll work alongside software, avionics, systems, and other engineering teams to ensure our flight systems are ready for complex, real-world operations.

Responsibilities
  • Plan and execute performance and GNC/ flight control laws optimization for fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Plan and implement engineering and flight test plans and procedures for component, ground, taxi, and flight operations based on aircraft design requirements and software changes.
  • Instrument aircraft with sensors, data acquisition, and telemetry systems; validate calibration and data integrity.
  • Analyze post-flight data, generate reports, and provide actionable feedback to design and systems teams.
  • Work with controls, avionics, propulsion, and systems engineers to align test objectives with performance requirements.
  • Participate in integration, repair, and fabrication of aircraft and sub-systems.
  • Feed flight data, analyses and insights to aircraft design teams and processes.
  • Conduct safety reviews, risk assessments, and test readiness reviews.
  • Contribute to development and maintenance of engineering, regulatory and operational documentation.
  • Travel up to 25% of time.
Desired Qualifications
  • BS/MS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Controls, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft dynamics and flight controls.
  • 7+ years of experience in aerospace and flight test engineering, or related field specifically on fixed-wing, autonomous aircraft systems.
  • Strong & demonstrated knowledge and experience with GNC/ Flight control law software including open source software such as PX4 and Ardupilot.
  • Hands-on experience with fixed-wing aircraft flying and/or testing (manned or unmanned).
  • Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis software, scripting and tools (MATLAB, Python or similar) and telemetry/DAQ systems.
  • Knowledge of flight test regulations, safety protocols, and UAS operational requirements.
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S without company sponsorship and ability to receive and hold government security clearances.
  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Great to have Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience supporting experimental flight test programs at startups or R&D organizations.
  • Familiarity with flight control systems, avionics, propulsion, autopilots.
  • FAA Part 107 certification or piloting experience.
  • Experience with system modeling tools or HIL/SIL environments.
  • Interest in operating at the boundary of software and hardware in a fast-paced startup.
  • Knowledge of industry (ASTM) and FAA/DoD experimental test standards.
  • You are a systems thinker who can balance performance, safety, and complexity.
  • You are mission-oriented, detail-driven, and excited to move quickly from design analysis to test design to flight.

Benefits, Equity, & Work Location

Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work-from-home policies, stock options, free parking on-site, and a well-stocked snacks and coffee environment.

This position is eligible for equity compensation.

Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on-site with an expectation that commuting to our test sites will be required often.

About Enigma Aerospace

Enigma Aerospace is building the next-generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed-wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway-independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery. Our technologies deliver charter-level performance at freight prices, redefining what’s possible in the $150B air cargo market.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture-backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.

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.