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Test Pilot Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZID Remote Pilot Operator

Indianapolis, IN · Remote

Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic ...

SAIC

ZID Remote Pilot Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site +1

Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic ...

Department of the Air Force

$76.46K - $197.20K/yr

... test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk Trust ... GS-13 (Pilot): Conduct training for the upgrade of unqualified active duty and/or Reserve aircrew ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Evansville, IN

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Evansville, IN · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Evansville, IN · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Evansville, IN · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Evansville, IN · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Ability to perform the ...

Precise Systems

RF Electronic Technician VI

Crane, IN · On-site

Arranges for fabrication of pilot models and determines test procedures and design of special test equipment. * Testing, troubleshooting, and repairing of RF systems. * Providing technical support ...

SAIC

Senior Electronics Technician

Crane, IN

You will serve as a UAS pilot or support technician for CUAS test events, which involve obtaining and maintaining required UAS pilot certifications, licenses, and customer-required qualifications to ...

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Test Pilot information

See Indiana salary details

$77.6K

$100K

$167.5K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Indiana is $100,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $102,300.00 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 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.

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.

More about Test Pilot jobs
What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Indiana? For Test Pilot jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in IN? For Test Pilot jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,018 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
ZID Remote Pilot Operator

ZID Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Indianapolis, IN • Remote

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2612916

Location: Indianapolis, IN, US

Date Posted: 2026-05-26

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Indianapolis ARTCC (ZID) in Indianapolis, IN, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Job Description:

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.

The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications:  Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

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