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Test Pilot Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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.

Jobtailor

Staff Test Pilot

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$185 - $277/hr

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Test Pilot to join the team of qualified individuals on our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located onsite in St.

New

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer - SME

FL · On-site

Air Force or Navy Test Pilot School graduate is highly desired. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops and plans test strategies, writes test plans, and publishes test reports using a working knowledge of ...

Canvas

Test Engineer - Air-to-Air (PL)

Niceville, FL

Test Pilot School graduate or Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) graduate desired. Security Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Secret security clearance with eligibility for Special Access ...

Canvas

Test Engineer - Air-to-Air (PL)

Eglin, FL · On-site

Test Pilot School graduate or Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) graduate desired. Security Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Secret security clearance with eligibility for Special Access ...

Canvas

Senior Test Engineer

Eglin, FL

Test Pilot School graduate or Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) graduate desired. Security Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Secret security clearance with eligibility for Special Access ...

Starfish

Senior Test Engineer

Eglin, FL

Flight experience as pilot, WSO, NAV, or FTE total of 5+ years military or civilian. * Must work ... Advanced degree or Test Pilot school graduate. * 10+ years or 5+ years in flight/route/mission ...

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All JobsTest Pilot JobsTest Pilot Jobs in Florida

Test Pilot information

See Florida salary details

$60.9K

$78.5K

$131.5K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Florida is $78,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $80,300.00 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 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 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 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 does a test pilot 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.
More about Test Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Pilot jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Test Pilot jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Florida?

For Test Pilot jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Florida are:

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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,548 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.  Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Staff Pilot Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization.  This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

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. The CTP will work closely with other Integrated Product Teams, the Chief Engineer, as well as systems engineers including Safety, Airworthiness, and Human Factors teams to validate and verify aircraft design and performance. The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the flight test program
  • Ensure early and effective contributions to air vehicle design, cockpit/crew station design and Pilot Vehicle Interface areas
  • Support the Chief Engineer on various design trades and analysis
  • Chair the pilot working group
  • Provide flight experienced leadership in critical program phases and reviews, such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FRR, and TRR
  • Provide direction to engineers on design definition, simulator flights, test planning, test card writing, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting, and proposal preparation
  • Ensure effective test pilot training, FTE training, MCR training and ensuring proficiency of staff
  • Perform initial flights on prototypes and test articles for new clean sheet air vehicles
  • Plan, develop, and perform flight tests to verify air worthiness, performance capabilities, and mission effectiveness using various simulators, surrogate aircraft, test-bed aircraft, and the program air vehicle.
  • Partner closely with the Directors of Test and Safety to ensure that the test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations
  • Collaborate with Service test pilots as well as Integrated Test Team personnel
  • Develop standards and protocols and ensure lessons learned are communicated with appropriate teams
  • Develop and manage the test vehicle pilot handbook and eventual NATOPS manual

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and 14 years of experience or a Master’s Degree in Science and 12 years of experience or a PhD and 10 years of experience for Senior Staff level position
  • Military Test Pilot School graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilots School, or EPNER
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
  •  Must have the ability to obtain and hold an FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)
  • Must have previous experience as a test pilot in a developmental test program
  • Must have aircraft carrier pilot experience (>150 arrested landings)
  • Must have strong leadership and communication skills with relevant flight test leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Weapons School graduate
  • Must have 5th Generation fighter flight hours
  • Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Land FAA Commercial pilot license
  • 737 Type Certification
  • Knowledge and experience with risk management and mitigation
  • Previous experience leading a military or corporate test organization
  • Master’s degree in a related STEM field

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $201,400.00 - $302,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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