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Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is ...

Scaled Composites

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems within a fast-paced design and ...

Garmin International, Inc.

Flight Test Pilot

Salem, OR · On-site

Overview We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA

As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for ...

Moog

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Engineering Test Pilot Reporting To: Director, AG Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight ...

Anduril Industries

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

This position will be filled by a highly motivated Senior Test Pilot with a passion for developmental flight test and improving system capabilities. This role will support Anduril Intelligence ...

Moog, Inc.

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Engineering Test Pilot Reporting To: Director, AG Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight ...

Scaled Composites

Test Pilot

California, MO · On-site

$199.60 - $299.40/hr

Piloting multiple experimental aircraft as well as chase,pace, photo, and target aircraft. * Writing detailed flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports. * Leading ...

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Ag

Test Pilot

Mobile, AL

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 facility ...

General Atomics

Test Pilot IV

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

This position is responsible for serving as Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. Subject matter expert for all aspects of the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems to ...

Anduril Industries

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA

This position will be filled by a highly motivated Senior Test Pilot with a passion for developmental flight test and improving system capabilities. This role will support Anduril Intelligence ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for ...

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership team. The CTP will support the design, development, and certification of the aircraft and air system.

Slope

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$129 - $171/hr

This position will be filled by a highly motivated Senior Test Pilot with a passion for developmental flight test and improving system capabilities. This role will support Anduril Intelligence ...

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Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 Is a Test Pilot?

A test pilot flies new and modified aircraft to evaluate performance and safety features. Job duties include gathering observational data during test flights, documenting whether an aircraft is operating properly, and making recommendations for improvements. You can find test pilot jobs in the commercial transportation industry and with the government, through the military or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You must be a fully qualified pilot with some additional training for this career.

What are some common challenges faced by test pilots during flight testing, and how are they managed?

Test pilots often encounter unpredictable aircraft behavior, rapidly changing flight conditions, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. Managing these challenges involves extensive pre-flight planning, thorough risk assessments, and collaborating closely with engineers and ground crews. Test pilots are trained to follow strict protocols, document every anomaly, and communicate findings clearly to ensure safety and continuous improvement. Adaptability and a strong attention to detail are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Test Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a strong background in aeronautical engineering or a related technical field, and typically a military or commercial pilot’s license with significant flight hours. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data analysis systems, and certification from organizations like the FAA or military test pilot schools are often required. Exceptional situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills are crucial for managing complex and high-risk scenarios. These skills ensure safety, accurate evaluation of new or modified aircraft, and effective collaboration with engineering teams during critical testing processes.

What is the difference between Test Pilot vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest PilotTest Engineer
Required CredentialsPilot license, aviation certificationsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft, flight testing facilitiesLaboratories, testing sites, design offices
Industry UsageAerospace, aviation companiesAerospace, automotive, electronics industries
Primary FocusFlying aircraft to evaluate performance and safetyDesigning, developing, and executing tests on products or systems

Test Pilots primarily focus on flying aircraft to assess performance and safety, requiring pilot licenses and aviation certifications. Test Engineers, on the other hand, develop and conduct tests on various systems or products, often with engineering degrees. While both roles are vital in aerospace, Test Pilots are flight-focused, whereas Test Engineers work in labs and design testing procedures.

Do test pilots still exist?

Yes, test pilots still exist and are responsible for flying new or modified aircraft to evaluate performance, safety, and handling. They typically have specialized training, engineering knowledge, and certifications, and work for aerospace companies, military, or government agencies to ensure aircraft meet safety standards before commercial or military use.

How much money do test pilots make?

Test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced pilots and those working for government agencies or private aerospace companies earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the aircraft tested.

What are test pilots?

Test pilots are specially trained aviators who fly new or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, safety, and handling. They work closely with engineers to identify potential issues and to ensure that the aircraft meets government and industry standards before it goes into full production. Test pilots must possess exceptional flying skills, strong analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of aeronautical engineering. Their work is critical to advancing aviation technology and ensuring flight safety.

Is being a test pilot worth it?

Being a test pilot is a highly specialized and risky profession that involves testing aircraft and new technologies, often requiring advanced education, engineering knowledge, and certification. It offers unique experiences and can lead to prestigious roles in aerospace, but it also involves significant safety risks and demanding schedules. The decision depends on personal passion for aviation and willingness to accept the inherent dangers and challenges of the job.

How can you become a test pilot?

To become a test pilot, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or aviation, along with extensive flight experience and a commercial pilot license. Many test pilots also complete military flight training or obtain a specialized test pilot certification, gaining skills in aircraft systems, safety procedures, and experimental testing environments.
More about Test Pilot jobs
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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Test Pilot

Test Pilot

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 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 is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes planning and flight testing experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related activities. Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is desired.


  • Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting
  • Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes
  • Contribute to flight readiness reviews, test safety reviews, and other flight test admin activities
  • Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
  • Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work safely by established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required

  • Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training
  • At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours experimental or certification flight test experience as test pilot
  • Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Fixed Wing and / or Rotorcraft Commercial Certificate
  • A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • Both fixed wing and rotary wing flight test experience, with principal experience in fixed wing
  • AV-8 or F-35B experience and/or V-22 experience
  • FAA certification flight test experience
  • Flight instructional experience
  • Test pilot school instructional experience
  • Experience with all-electric aircraft
  • Flight test DER or AR

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $187,400 - $250,000/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.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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