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Test Pilot Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Test Pilot

Boston, MA · On-site

$135 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lynn, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Malden, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Medford, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Beverly, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Littleton, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Melrose, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Pinehurst, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Salem, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Watertown, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Woburn, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Chelsea, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Test Pilot information

See Boston, MA salary details

$88.5K

$114.2K

$191.2K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Boston, MA is $114,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $116,800.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Boston, MA?

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

Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,185 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

$135 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

Responsibilities:
  • Plan and execute taxi and flight operations for the Quarterhorse series of demonstrator aircraft
  • Oversee Quarterhorse’s transition from remotely piloted system to a fully autonomous system to meet program objectives.
  • Maintain subject matter expertise on Quarterhorse demonstrator aircraft series
  • Plan and develop ground and flight test procedures, run cards, and reports
  • Work with Hermeus engineering staff and technical editors to deliver flight manuals and other relevant technical documentation
Minimum Requirements:
  • Federal Aviation Administration transport pilot rating or military equivalent
  • Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Instructor pilot experience
  • Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements
  • Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems
  • Experience writing test plans and test procedures
  • Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred)
  • Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity
Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel on short notice to support test campaigns. 5-10% baseline and up to 50% during flight test campaigns.

$135,000 - $250,000 a year

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.

Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!

100% employer-paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Unlimited PTO

Weekly Paid Office Lunches

End of Year Bonuses

Fully stocked breakrooms

Stock Options

Paid Parental Leave

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a \"U.S. person\" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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