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Test Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ

Conduct daily academic instruction of approved POI (Aircraft Qualification Course, Instructor Pilot Course, Aircraft Standardization Course, Maintenance Test Pilot Course). * Facilitate pre-mission ...

New

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Conduct daily academic instruction for approved POIs, including Aircraft Qualification, Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Standardization, Maintenance Test Pilot, and Aviation Tactics Instructor Courses ...

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Conduct daily academic instruction for approved POIs, including Aircraft Qualification, Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Standardization, Maintenance Test Pilot, and Aviation Tactics Instructor Courses ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Company Overview Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a ... Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first ... Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning ...

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - LR60 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an ... Able to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record * Must ...

Cutter Aviation, Inc.

PILOT - LR60 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an ... Able to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Must have High School ...

Cutter Holding Co

PILOT - LR60 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an ... Able to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record * Must ...

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - LR60 PIC

Phoenix, AZ

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an ... Able to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record * Must ...

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - PC12 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record

Cutter Holding Co

PILOT - PC24 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test. * Must have High School Diploma or GED Ideal candidate will ...

Cutter Holding Co

PILOT - PC12 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - HA420 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test. * Must have High School Diploma or GED Ideal candidate will ...

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - PC12 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test * Able to pass a background check * Clean driving record

Cutter Aviation

PILOT - PC24 PIC

Phoenix, AZ

This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as ... Ability to pass a drug screening test. * Must have High School Diploma or GED Ideal candidate will ...

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All JobsTest Pilot JobsTest Pilot Jobs in Arizona

Test Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$75.9K

$98K

$164K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Arizona is $97,950.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $100,200.00 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.

How much money do test pilots make?

Test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced pilots or those working for government agencies and aerospace companies earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the aircraft tested.
More about Test Pilot jobs
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What cities in Arizona are hiring for Test Pilot jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Test Pilot job openings:
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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,950 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Senior Flight Test Pilot

Garmin International, Inc.

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Senior Flight Test Pilot for Garmin's Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.
Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2)

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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