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Research Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, NH · On-site

$97 - $167/hr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

MSD

Sr. Specialist, Technical Support

Rahway, NJ · On-site

Partner with various Business Automation stakeholders & Product teams, to evaluate and implement automation technologies that improve research, pilot plant, and manufacturing capabilities while ...

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How much do research pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for research pilot in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 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.

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What states have the most Research Pilot jobs?

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Research Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Director, Clinical Research Operations Transformation

Vitalief

Orange, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

ABOUT VITALIEF
Vitalief is a trusted partner to Sponsors, CROs, and Sites across the research and clinical trials landscape. By blending deep subject matter expertise with strong business acumen, we deliver Consulting and Functional Service Provider (FSP) solutions that empower organizations to do more with less, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and accelerating breakthroughs that ultimately benefit patients.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic yet hands-on Clinical Research Operations Leader to join our delivery team as a full-time, fully benefited employee. In this role, you will partner with a multi-location community hospital system to transform its research enterprise into a scalable, high-performing, world-class clinical research operation.
As the primary subject matter expert (SME), this leader will collaborate closely with the Vitalief delivery team to design and implement enterprise-level operational initiatives, with a strong emphasis on Non-Oncology programs and enhancing cross-system communication and coordination. A central focus of the role will be leading the operational build-out and execution of a Cardiovascular clinical trials pilot, including infrastructure development, staffing strategy, workflow optimization, and technology deployment.
WHY VITALIEF?
  • Professional Growth: Join a team of experienced practitioners who bring both business acumen and domain expertise.
  • Impactful Work: Contribute to scientific advancements that directly improve patient lives.
  • People-First Culture: Thrive in an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy 20 PTO days, 9 paid holidays, company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) retirement plan, and robust healthcare options.
  • Flexible Work Location: Hybrid role with 2-3 days per week onsite in the Orange, NJ area.
  • Competitive Compensation: Base salary, performance bonus, and equity incentives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - What Success Looks Like:
  • Successful design, launch and operational stabilization of a scalable Cardiovascular research pilot across multiple hospital campuses and ambulatory sites.
  • Aligned research strategy with institutional priorities through close partnership with executive, clinical, and administrative leadership.
  • Established standardized workflows, SOPs and enterprise-wide performance metrics for research operations.
  • Strengthened investigator engagement and increased research participation across service lines.
  • Established scalable infrastructure and service line activation frameworks, in collaboration with investigators and sponsors, to reduce study activation timelines, enhance start-up predictability, and support sustainable research growth.
  • Successfully managed cross-functional initiatives within matrixed reporting environments and complex academic-clinical governance structures.
  • Transition from opportunistic research conduct to a deliberate, strategic, and scalable clinical research enterprise.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Clinical Research Administration, Public Health, Nursing, or related field strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive clinical research operations experience, including 3 to 5 years in leadership or management roles.
  • Experience building and launching a clinical research multi-location operation from scratch, enabling timely initiation of multiple studies across diverse therapeutic areas.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and supporting complex multi-site clinical research settings, including academic medical centers, affiliated and non-academic health systems, and disparate research locations.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex drug, device, adaptive, or multi-arm trials.
  • Cardiovascular clinical research experience strongly preferred.
  • Expertise in study start-up optimization, IRB processes, and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience with CTMS platforms (e.g., OnCore) and Epic research integration.
  • Strong knowledge of research billing compliance and Medicare clinical trial requirements.
  • Proven ability to develop SOPs, quality systems, and performance dashboards.
  • Experience strong relationships with sponsors and CRO partners to enhance site reputation and repeat business opportunities.
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across matrixed environments.
  • Demonstrated success leading operational transformation or research program development initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, visual perception, talking and hearing. Lifting up to 20lbs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Vitalief partners with clients such as major medical centers and academic institutions that often requires all on-site resources such as prospective Vitalief consultants to be inoculated annually for Influenza and successfully pass a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.
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