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Temporary Production Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft.**Meet the team:**Our Engineers at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing ...

New

$103.60 - $172.67/hr

In order to manage current and future projects, Airbus Helicopters Donauwörth is looking for you to join the team in Donauwörth as soon as possible as our new Production Test Pilot (d/f/m). Airbus ...

New

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and ... Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity Additional ...

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135 - $250/hr

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and ... Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity Additional ...

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and ... Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity Additional ...

The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight ... tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft. Meet the team: Our Engineers at the Airbus U.S.

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and thoroughly report back to FPV Specialists and engineers. * Pilot ...

The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and thoroughly report back to FPV Specialists and engineers. * Pilot ...

We are Lockheed Martin You will be a Test Pilot for the Flight Operations team. Lockheed Martin ... Fly missions such as experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support ...

Plan, execute, and document flight test missions for prototype and production UAS platforms ... Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) and make real-time go/no-go decisions based on safety and readiness

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Pilot/Technician. This role involves operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and providing ... Plan, execute, and document flight test missions for prototype and production UAS platforms

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Production Test Pilot information

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How much do temporary production test pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary production test pilot in the United States is $25.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a temporary production test pilot?

To thrive as a Temporary Production Test Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot’s license, extensive flight hours, and thorough knowledge of aircraft systems and flight testing procedures. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data collection tools, and aviation safety management systems is typically required. Superior problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help pilots quickly identify and report issues. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and the reliable delivery of airworthy products.

What are common challenges faced by temporary production test pilots?

Temporary Production Test Pilots often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to new aircraft models and test protocols, as each manufacturer may have unique procedures. They must rapidly build rapport with engineering teams and production staff to ensure clear communication and efficient workflow. Additionally, managing tight deadlines while prioritizing safety and compliance with regulatory standards is essential. Flexibility and precise technical evaluation skills are key to successfully navigating these short-term, high-responsibility roles.

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

AspectTemporary Production Test PilotFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsCommercial pilot license, specific aircraft type ratingsEngineering degree, pilot certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAircraft testing facilities, production lines, flight testingDesign labs, testing facilities, flight test programs
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, aerospace companiesAircraft manufacturers, aerospace firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Temporary Production Test Pilots primarily focus on flying aircraft during manufacturing and testing phases, ensuring aircraft meet safety and performance standards. Flight Test Engineers, on the other hand, design and analyze test procedures, often working alongside pilots. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is a temporary production test pilot?

Temporary Production Test Pilots are aviation professionals hired on a short-term basis to test and evaluate newly manufactured or modified aircraft before they are delivered to customers. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the aircraft meet all safety and performance standards through rigorous flight testing. These pilots work closely with engineers and quality assurance teams to identify and report any issues, helping to improve the final product. Temporary positions are often used to address increased production demands or fill in for permanent staff on leave.
More about Temporary Production Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Production Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Production Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Production Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Production Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Production Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Production Test Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Production Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,688 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Vero Beach, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Piper Aircraft rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot is the mature mind behind safely and efficiently executing flight test projects at Piper Aircraft.  The role is a multi-faceted position that requires and advanced depth and a breadth of engineering knowledge across a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines in addition to exceptional pilot skill.  This acumen will be combined with a high level grasp of customer aircraft operations and an administrative expertise to provide high quality flight test data for the purposes of product development and certification. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:        

·        Act as pilot-in-command for Piper experimental test operations aircraft during the conduct of flight test activities related to the development and certification of Piper products

·        Coordinate project specific flight and ground crew logistics including pre-flight briefings, post-flight briefings, duty day restrictions, travel, transportation, and, especially, test hazard mitigation requirements

·         Create, revise, review, and approve technical and compliance documents subject to the Piper ODA

·         Participate in the Piper safety management system, including serving as the Flight Test Safety Officer

·         Liaise with other departments as the Experimental Flight Test subject matter expert

·         Complete required initial and recurrent safety training

·         Other tasks as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.  The employee may be required to be a technical lead for other test pilots or flight test engineers and to train and assist other employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

·         Significant previous flight test experience (Test Pilot or Flight Test Engineer)

·         Commercial Pilot’s License with Multi-engine and Instrument ratings

·         Familiarity with 14CFR Part 23 regulations and associated guidance material

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         Test Pilot School Graduate

·         Graduate degree in engineering or related field

·         Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

·         2000 Hours Pilot-in-Command

·         Consulting DER Appointment (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

·         Experience as an ODA Unit Member (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers.  Being able to produce high quality formal and informal flight test reports is of utmost importance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to an office environment. 

·       The employee is occasionally exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, and odors consistent with the operation of aircraft.

·       Although mitigated to the greatest extent possible by the flight test safety process, the employee will be exposed to the risks associated with ground and flight testing experimental aircraft. 

·       Travel and overtime are occasionally necessary.

·       Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SAFETY AND POLICY PRACTICES:

In addition to adherence to all general Piper Aircraft company safety requirements, engineering flight test operations are subject to governance by the Flight Operations Policy and Procedures Manual.  The employee will be expected to know and abide by those policies and procedures.  Specifically, that will include the following training:

·       Emergency Egress

·       Hypoxia Awareness

·       Parachute

·       Oxygen System

·       Water Egress and Survival


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