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Test Pilot Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Akima

KY · On-site

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-47G helicopter. Duties include but are not limited to MTF (Maintenance Test Flight), FTF (Functional Test Flight), and MOC (Maintenance ...

Akima

KY · On-site

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-6 helicopter. Duties include but are not limited to MTF (Maintenance Test Flight), FTF (Functional Test Flight), and MOC (Maintenance Operational ...

Akima

KY · On-site

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-47G helicopter. Duties include but are not limited to MTF (Maintenance Test Flight), FTF (Functional Test Flight), and MOC (Maintenance ...

Yulista Holding, LLC

$143 - $186/hr

... Pilot ... Duties include project flight tests, maintenance test flights, and other assigned aviation duties ...

New

LTA Research

$115 - $170/hr

Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently. * Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups. * Direct ...

ABSI Aerospace & Defense

$80 - $120/hr

We are currently seeking highly qualified applicants to work with the US Air Force Test Pilot School, primarily supporting the Test and Evaluation training course for US Space Force personnel ...

New

Canvas, Inc.

$90 - $140/hr

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 ...

Grandforksiscooler

$90 - $120/hr

Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency ... Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and ...

New

Sierra Nevada Corporation

$140 - $190/hr

... test flights, special mission training, and fighter aircraft training, among others. You will play ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi‑engine rating without limitations.

Sierra Nevada Corporation

$140 - $190/hr

Join us! As a Sr Pilot, you will lead complex missions and provide strategic direction in ... test flights and special mission training. Your role involves significant leadership ...

Parra Consulting Group

$90 - $120/hr

The UAS Red Team Pilot will perform operational responsibilities for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS ... Plan and coordinate flight operations and serve as the safety officer during training and test ...

Calspan Corporation

$66 - $77/hr

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians helps shape the future of flight tests using our highly modified Learjet aircraft. We're currently seeking a Sr. ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY · 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 ...

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Test Pilot information

See Kentucky salary details

$70.8K

$91.3K

$152.9K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Kentucky is $91,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,400.00 and $93,400.00 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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The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,291 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Maintenance Test Pilot - MH-6

Akima, LLC

Fort Campbell, KY • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Akima rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 451 rated engineering

Job description

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-6 helicopter. Duties include but are not limited to MTF (Maintenance Test Flight), FTF (Functional Test Flight), and MOC (Maintenance Operational Checks) on customer MH-60M series aircraft. The Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) shall perform testing, including the use of ground and in-flight diagnostic test equipment.
Responsibilities
Be proficient in flying operations of assigned rotary wing helicopters. Demonstrate instrument task proficiency on the annual flight evaluation conducted by flight detachment Evaluators. Complete an initial, and annually thereafter, FAA second class flight physical. Undergo an annual flight evaluation conducted by both an Instructor Pilot (IP) and Maintenance Test Flight Evaluator (MTFE), qualified in Mission, Type, and Design Series (MDS). Ensure that all Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) tasks required for assigned flight duties are accomplished (i.e., non-tactical base tasks). Maintain a current, valid Agency or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Second Class Medical Certificate. Maintenance Test Pilot must hold and maintain an instrument rating on their FAA Commercial Certificates. Will be evaluated I/A/W the appropriate ATM.
Qualifications
  • The candidate must be a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. drivers license.
  • The candidate must be able to obtain a secret security clearance.
  • The Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) must be MELB qualified in the A/MH-6 aircraft.
  • The MTP must have no less than 1,000 hours of Pilot-in-Command time.
  • The Pilot-in-Command time must include a minimum of 100 hours in the specific MDS, in which a minimum of 50 of those hours must be logged as an MTP.
  • Preferably a graduate of the AMOC II course.
  • Maintenance test pilots must be capable of passing a valid Agency or FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
  • Maintenance test pilots shall possess an instrument rating on their FAA Commercial Certificates.
  • Must be willing to travel (US travel) in support of aircraft maintenance. Travel could be up to 2 weeks per trip.

Job ID
2026-21152
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Technical Solutions (ATS), an Akima company, is not just another federal technical solutions contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At ATS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, ATS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, ATS delivers a full spectrum of logistics and supply chain services that meet our customers' most stringent mandates and metrics.
As an ATS employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

What Akima employees say

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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