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Research Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. Drawing on past ...

Hazen Research Inc

Research Technician

Golden, CO · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Our 17-building, 12-acre campus in Golden, CO, houses multiple laboratory and pilot plant facilities to support our R&D work across multiple disciplines for across the globe. The facility is operated ...

Hazen Research Inc

Research Technician

Golden, CO · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Our 17-building, 12-acre campus in Golden, CO, houses multiple laboratory and pilot plant facilities to support our R&D work across multiple disciplines for across the globe. The facility is operated ...

Roquette

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Geneva, IL

$82K - $95K/yr

As the R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day to day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials, ongoing and ...

Roquette Frères

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Geneva, IL · On-site

$82K - $95K/yr

As the R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day to day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials, ongoing and ...

Kurita America Inc.

Pilot Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Pilot Technician will support product sales by leading water treatment equipment pilot study ... Actively participate in company committees and initiatives (safety, design guides, R&D, etc.) as ...

Kurita America Inc.

Pilot Technician

Minneapolis, MN

$60K - $65K/yr

The Pilot Technician will support product sales by leading water treatment equipment pilot study ... Actively participate in company committees and initiatives (safety, design guides, R&D, etc.) as ...

MSD

Specialist, Technical Support

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$113K/yr

Partner with Research & Development and manufacturing stakeholders to identify opportunities for automation, digitalization, process optimization, and data integration across laboratory, pilot plant ...

Merck

$102K/yr

Partner with Research & Development and manufacturing stakeholders to identify opportunities for automation, digitalization, process optimization, and data integration across laboratory, pilot plant ...

New

ASM

Senior Engineer I, Field Process

Hillsboro, OR

Demonstrated success optimizing deposition processes in research, pilot, or high-volume manufacturing-adjacent environments. * Exposure to customer-facing technical discussions, presentations, or ...

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Research Pilot information

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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.

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. Drawing on past experience operating medium to large UAS, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.


  • Act as the senior remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms
  • Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system
  • Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals
  • Post flight reports, internal and external
  • Lead other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities

  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate
  • Current Class 3 medical
  • Experience operating Group 3 + UAS
  • Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or augmented flight modes using a traditional RC controller interface for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft
  • Fully automated remote flight
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and training
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Development and administration of policy and procedures
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate
  • Support of new aircraft or systems development
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Flight test engineering
  • UAS operations within the National Airspace System beyond Part 107
  • Standard operating procedures development
  • Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
  • Systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $111,900 - $191,200/yr.

. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. 

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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