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Research Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Additional duties may include various Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) support ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

Additional duties may include various Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) support ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Tamus

Pilot I

College Station, TX · On-site

Job Title Pilot I Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department System Aircraft Proposed ... The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize ...

Baker Donelson

Legal Research Analyst

Houston, TX

Beyond day-to-day reference support, the Analyst shapes how the Firm discovers, evaluates, and adopts research tools and technologies, piloting new products, building durable knowledge resources, and ...

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Research Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do research pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for research pilot in Texas is $20.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research pilot?

A Research Pilot operates aircraft to support experimental testing, scientific studies, or technology development. They often work with engineers and researchers to conduct flight tests, evaluate new aviation systems, and gather critical data. Their role requires extensive flight experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to unique flight conditions. Research Pilots may fly prototype aircraft, test new navigation or safety systems, or assist with atmospheric and environmental studies.

What are some typical projects or missions a research pilot might be involved in?

Research Pilots frequently support projects such as testing new aircraft designs, evaluating avionics systems, conducting atmospheric research, or developing flight safety protocols. Their missions may include flying prototype aircraft, gathering critical flight data, or working closely with engineers to troubleshoot and refine systems. These roles often involve both standard and experimental flight operations, requiring close adherence to safety guidelines and dynamic problem-solving. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, Research Pilots play a vital role in advancing aviation technology and ensuring research objectives are achieved safely and efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Research Pilot, you need an in-depth understanding of aviation principles, advanced piloting skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science or a related field, along with a commercial or airline transport pilot license. Proficiency with specialized flight data recording systems, research instrumentation, and simulation tools is often required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong communication, and adaptability are vital soft skills for managing unique test scenarios and working alongside engineers and scientists. These competencies ensure safe, precise data collection and effective teamwork in high-stakes research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Research Pilot jobs in Texas?

For Research Pilot jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Pilot jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Pilot jobs in Texas are:

Research Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,063 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Pilot Subject Matter Expert and Pilot Vehicle Interface Engineer

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

You will be the Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) design engineer to serve in the Pilot Systems Engineering (PSE) group on the F-35 team specializing in 5th Generation and Advanced Development Programs (ADP).
As the Pilot Subject Matter Expert your responsibilities will include:
Research and design of innovative PVI mechanizations for tactical cockpits.
Provide Pilot SME support to brief and train test pilots, production pilots and training systems engineers and pilots on aircraft capabilities and PVI.
Research, design, simulate, and refine PVI solutions for controls and displays, sensors, weapons, and air vehicle subsystems.
Work with pilots, engineers, and simulation technicians to design, implement, evaluate, and document PVI mechanizations.
You will be expected to:
Have a high-level knowledge of 4th and 5th Gen fighters, requiring an understanding of mission systems, capability gaps, and basic concepts of employment in realistic combat environments.
Assist in the support of studies relating to aircraft operations and will be expected to apply subject matter expertise.
Work closely with customers through engineering design reviews, Cockpit Working Groups (CWGs), aircraft simulations and product test and training.
This is a non-flying position.
What's In It For You
We are committed to supporting your worklife balance and overall wellbeing, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus - if you have the passion and courage to pursue bold goals, work hard, and enjoy what you do, then we want to create impact together.
Who You Are
You are a collaborative, forwardthinking engineer with deep knowledge of 4th and 5thgeneration fighter systems. Your expertise bridges pilot experience and engineering design, enabling you to translate operational needs into practical PVI solutions. You thrive in multidisciplinary teams, communicate clearly with pilots and technical staff, and are driven by the desire to deliver highimpact capabilities for the F35 program.
Further Information About This Opportunity
This position is in Fort Worth, TX Discover Fort Worth.
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN -This position is located at a facility that requiresspecial access. The selected candidate must possess an active Secretclearance to start.
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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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