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Test Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX

$130K - $200K/yr

Participate in test events, demonstrations, and customer-facing operations as required * Maintain ... Current or prior UAS pilot experience (Group 3-5 preferred) or equivalent military aviation ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Participate in test events, demonstrations, and customer-facing operations as required * Maintain ... Current or prior UAS pilot experience (Group 3-5 preferred) or equivalent military aviation ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Participate in test events, demonstrations, and customer-facing operations as required * Maintain ... Current or prior UAS pilot experience (Group 3-5 preferred) or equivalent military aviation ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Conduct and oversee experimental test flights, providing critical feedback for aircraft development ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi-engine ratings. * Strong leadership and ...

Freeman Holdings Group

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

King Air 90/200 experience preferred This position is a DOT Safety Sensitive position, which will require placement in a random drug test pool. The Chief Pilot may be required to work nights ...

Freeman Jet Center

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

King Air 90/200 experience preferred This position is a DOT Safety Sensitive position, which will require placement in a random drug test pool. The Chief Pilot may be required to work nights ...

Freeman Jet Center - Abilene

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

King Air 90/200 experience preferred This position is a DOT Safety Sensitive position, which will require placement in a random drug test pool. The Chief Pilot may be required to work nights ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot - El Paso

El Paso, TX

Developmental test support sorties. Additional flying may include RDT&E, Adversary Air, and Close ... Pre-mission pilot coordination calls with the customer and other air assets. Build, disseminate and ...

Helicopter Jobs

Life Flight Pilot (Houston)

Houston, TX · On-site

Passed the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) written test * Experience / Knowledge / Skills: * 2000 hours Pilot-in Command of a helicopter, 1,500 turbine required, 3,000 hours Pilot-in-Command of a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTest Pilot JobsTest Pilot Jobs in Texas

Test Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$75.9K

$97.9K

$164K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Texas is $97,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $100,200.00 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 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 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 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 do test pilots make?

Test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced pilots or those working for government agencies and 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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What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Test Pilot jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Test Pilot job openings:
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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,926 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Are you a motivated, energetic, and ambitious elite former military pilot looking to work on the cutting edge of military aviation? Are you interested in helping to build the world's best AI pilot? Are you looking to work for a company that has purpose and compelling vision? 
 
We are currently seeking a Standardization Pilot to join our team to define best practices for flight operations. You must be highly organized, extremely collaborative and an excellent influencer. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Training, Support, Deployed Operations, and Leadership Teams. You must be team player with an extremely high bar.
What you'll do:
  • Execute V-BAT flight operations in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory requirements
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in V-BAT system operations, contributing to standardization efforts across teams
  • Assist in the development, validation, and continuous improvement of SOPs, checklists, and training materials
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures with strict adherence to safety and quality standards
  • Support training and evaluation of pilots to ensure consistency in operational execution
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and training teams to identify gaps and drive process improvements
  • Participate in test events, demonstrations, and customer-facing operations as required
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, reports, and documentation in compliance with company and regulatory standards
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and other applicable governing bodies
Required qualifications:
  • Current or prior UAS pilot experience (Group 3-5 preferred) or equivalent military aviation experience
  • Strong understanding of aviation principles, flight safety, and mission planning
  • Experience operating in standardized or highly procedural environments
  • Ability to follow and enforce strict operational protocols
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to travel and support field operations as needed
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with V-BAT or similar platforms
  • Military background in aviation (e.g., UAV operator, pilot, or aircrew)
  • Instructor pilot or evaluator experience
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 107 and/or COA operations
  • Experience in test, evaluation, or operational standardization roles
$130,000 - $200,000 a year
#LI-JM1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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