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Test Pilot Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Test Technician I

Boulder, CO · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

With two operating pilots in Boulder and a new demonstration facility underway in Jefferson County ... The Test Technician I will assist in executing test procedures, maintaining equipment, and ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Holyoke, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hudson, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Towaoc, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Dolores, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Eads, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Dotsero, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Clifton, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Eaton, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Fleming, CO

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

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All JobsTest Pilot JobsTest Pilot Jobs in Colorado

Test Pilot information

See Colorado salary details

$85.7K

$110.5K

$185.1K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Colorado is $110,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $113,000.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Pilot jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Test Pilot jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Colorado? For Test Pilot jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in CO? For Test Pilot jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,525 per year, or $53.1 per hour.
Engine Test Engineering Manager

Engine Test Engineering Manager

Boom Supersonic

Centennial, CO • On-site

$160K - $203K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Boom is building the Superpower industrial gas turbine, and the Symphony supersonic turbofan. Both of these machines share a common core which is metaphorically and literally, the core of our business. In the Superpower configuration, we will deliver gigawatts of electrical power to the frontier AI data centers building their own co-located power plants. The sales of Superpower directly fund Symphony and Overture's testing and certification effort.
You will own the test programs that take our first engine from assembled hardware to first fire, and then through back-to-back development campaigns toward a revenue-generating turbine and the first aero engine. This isn't a role where you inherit a mature program and run a fixed test matrix. You'll build the test organization, define how it operates, and own the judgment calls that keep us moving fast without compromising safety.
This unique role will have a huge impact on the development of the worlds first clean sheet civil supersonic turbofan and could grow to own the acceptance testing of hundreds of turbines per year, the flight testing of Overture, or both.
What You'll Do
  • Architect the engine test program from a blank sheet: instrumentation, procedures, acceptance criteria, and standards
  • Build and lead the test team: hire it, train it, and make it able to run at pace
  • Build a new control room and design the curriculum that decides who is qualified to serve in it
  • Run three engine development campaigns back to back, on a schedule with a paying customer at the other end
  • Hold the line on safety and quality under real schedule pressure

What You'll Own
  • The entire path from cold hardware to first fire and beyond, including all readiness gates
  • The safety process and testing standards
  • Team member qualifications to be involved in live testing

You probably have
  • At least 10 years of experience in test
  • Led large scale testing before, with a big team, on expensive hardware, under schedule pressure when the consequences of inattention to detail were real (rocket launches, flight testing, engine cell operations, other large industrial testing)
  • Been the principle author of a major test campaign, not just followed someone else's procedures
  • Directly managed medium or large sized teams and been accountable for their performance
  • Graduated from a recognized professional test curriculum (Air Force / Navy / National Test Pilot School, or other professional test engineering program) or have equivalent on-the-job experience

You will thrive here if
  • You can make good decisions under pressure. Tough calls, with safety and progress on the line
  • You enjoy leading by example, and no job is beneath you - eg writing the test cards yourself if everyone else is too busy.
  • You can grow your own team and proactively recruit top talent

Compensation
The Base Salary Range for this position is $160,500 - $203,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Boom's total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include long-term incentives/equity, a flexible PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.
There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.
ITAR Requirement
To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
Boom is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
Want to build a faster future? Come join Boom.

Apply