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Test Pilot Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

USAJOBS

AIRPLANE PILOT

Mcconnell Air Force Base, KS · On-site

$131K/yr

Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction ... Must have logged 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary ...

INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC

$150 - $210/hr

Design and develop pilot in the loop CLaws based on handling quality requirements, flight and structural envelope protection requirements, performance requirements, test pilot assessments and ...

Actalent

Test Engineer

Wichita, KS

Drive project planning and execution to ensure all test solutions are developed, validated, documented, and ready before pilot and production launches. * Partner with research and development and ...

Actalent

Test Engineer

Wichita, KS

Drive project planning and execution to ensure all test solutions are developed, validated, documented, and ready prior to pilot and production launches. * Partner with R&D and Manufacturing ...

Viavi Solutions

Senior Test Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Drive detailed planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run. * Fixture Development: Partner with R&D and ...

Viavi Solutions

Senior Test Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Drive detailed planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run. * Fixture Development: Partner with R&D and ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience * Proven Mission Control Room ... You can write a detailed test plan, troubleshoot hardware and software at a test site, analyze ...

Garmin Ltd.

Systems Test Engineer 2

Olathe, KS · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Overview We are seeking a full-time Aviation Systems Test Engineer 2 at Garmin's U.S. headquarters ... Pilot's License * Previous work or internship experience with consumer or aviation products Garmin ...

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Test Pilot information

See Kansas salary details

$72.7K

$93.7K

$157K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Kansas is $93,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $95,900.00 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

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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,742 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Flight Test Pilot 4

Garmin International, Inc.

New Century, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot 4 at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area. In this role, you will be responsible for being a key technical contributor as acting Pilot in Command for difficult or high-risk tests, performing as Flight Test Project lead for complex projects, developing effective flight test strategies for complex test programs, authoring highly complex certification plans, and serving as a subject matter expert for product development teams.
Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with significant changes to certificated design and conducts difficult, high-risk tests or tests that require refined pilot technique
  • Acts as Flight Test Project Lead for complex projects including developing effective test strategies for complex test programs
  • Proposes basic new designs and concepts that address previously unmet operational and user needs
  • Maintains complex test aircraft configurations including multiple test aircraft programs and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Serves as an expert in test aircraft operations and is a valuable resource to project and maintenance teams
  • Provides insight into difficult issues through independent research
  • Identifies and tracks issues during flight test and proactively drives resolution for large, complex projects
  • Leverages advanced understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for large, complex projects with significant certification issues such as novel or unusual features
  • Subject matter expert in resolving difficult certification issues by working with certification authorities
  • Utilizes expertise in trouble shooting to assist others in resolving technical issues including identification of viable, innovative solutions for difficult project issues
  • Proactively works to improve processes, author new procedures, and advance the safety culture of the flight test organization
  • Coordinates overall system roadmaps and product vision with senior management and other project leads
  • Mentors and guides less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2 & Senior Flight Test Pilots)
  • Demonstrates broad understanding of Garmin's business model, including operations, production, sales and marketing

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Minimum 2,000 hrs. total flight time
  • Previous avionics flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Previous experience working with certification authorities and advanced understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates expert troubleshooting skills with previous experience in troubleshooting and guiding others in resolving complex technical issues
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate

Desired Qualifications
  • Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • 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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