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Test Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Pilot Plant Technician

Maplewood, MN · On-site

Maintaining record of run conditions and quality test results. Produces necessary reports. * Participating and occasionally serving as team leader in various pilot plant teams. * Working rotating ...

3M

Pilot Plant Technician

Maplewood, MN · On-site

Maintaining record of run conditions and quality test results. Produces necessary reports. * Participating and occasionally serving as team leader in various pilot plant teams. * Working rotating ...

Post Consumer Brands

Technician II, Pet Pilot Lab

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Operates pilot plant/laboratory equipment in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved ... Test summaries require an evaluation of results, generation of reports, graphs and statistical ...

Post Consumer Brands

Technician II, Pet Pilot Lab

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Operates pilot plant/laboratory equipment in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved ... Test summaries require an evaluation of results, generation of reports, graphs and statistical ...

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Maintaining accurate process and experimental records and quality test results. * Assuring ...

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Maintaining accurate process and experimental records and quality test results. * Assuring ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Avionics Engineer 2

Duluth, MN · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

Work closely with equipment manufacturers, as well as other systems engineers and test pilots within the organization to establish and refine cross-system requirements for a highly integrated ...

Nortek

End-of-Line (EOL) Test Manager

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Validate test logic, instrumentation, and process controls during new product builds and engineering pilots.Translate customer‑specific test requirements into robust, repeatable EOL test processes.

Cirrus Aircraft

Avionics Engineer Sr

Duluth, MN · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Work closely with equipment manufacturers, as well as other systems engineers and test pilots within the organization to establish and refine cross-system requirements for a highly integrated ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTest Pilot JobsTest Pilot Jobs in Minnesota

Test Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$79.8K

$102.9K

$172.4K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Minnesota is $102,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $105,300.00 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Test Pilot jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Test Pilot job openings:

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

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

Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,946 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Pilot Plant Technician

3M

Maplewood, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

3M rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 249 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Job Title
Pilot Plant Technician
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Pilot Plant Technician you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Maintaining a safe working environment.
  • Supporting development of technologies and processes.
  • Preparing and operating experimental, prototype or production equipment. Provides general maintenance, setup, and changeover of equipment.
  • Locating defects or problems during the manufacturing process. Making equipment adjustments to correct the problems.
  • Performing quality testing. Interprets and provides feedback on quality results. Adjusts machinery to meet specifications based on test results.
  • Maintaining record of run conditions and quality test results. Produces necessary reports.
  • Participating and occasionally serving as team leader in various pilot plant teams.
  • Working rotating shifts and overtime

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • High school diploma/GED or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • One (1) year of manufacturing experience in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Associates/Two Year Technical degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution
  • Extrusion experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Film web handling
  • Coating experience
  • Experience with nonwovens processes and/or equipment
  • Experience with injection molding processes and/or equipment
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to complete work with little supervision and work well in a team environment
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Personal flexibility to handle change within the workplace
  • Microsoft Office proficient

Work location:
  • Maplewood Center

Travel: May include up to 5% domestic
Relocation Assistance: Is not authorized
This Position requires rotating shifts and overtime
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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