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Test Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

R&D Drone Test Pilot

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

BRINC is seeking an experienced sUAS Pilot to support flight testing operations at our off‑site test facility. In this role, you will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of the ...

Hold formal responsibility for the AeroTEC Test Engineering, Test Instrumentation and Test Pilots Engineering skill codes, together with the in-house Software (SW) capability supporting Test ...

Support EVT, DVT, PVT, pilot builds, and manufacturing launch activities. * Ensure test requirements are identified early in the product development process. * Drive Design for Testability (DFT ...

Support EVT, DVT, PVT, pilot builds, and manufacturing launch activities. * Ensure test requirements are identified early in the product development process. * Drive Design for Testability (DFT ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Test Pilot information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$92.7K

$119.6K

$200.3K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Seattle, WA is $119,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $122,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Test Pilot jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Test Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Seattle, WA 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 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,618 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

R&D Drone Test Pilot

BRINC Drones Inc.

Seattle, WA • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About BRINC:

At BRINC, we are redefining public safety with an innovative ecosystem of life‑saving tools. Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de‑escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into creating and deploying 911 response networks, where drones are dispatched to 911 calls to provide real‑time visual data, enhancing safety and enabling de‑escalation‑focused responses. Our cutting‑edge solutions are utilized by over 600 public safety agencies across America and the company has raised over $150M from investors, including Index Ventures, Motorola Solutions, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Mike Volpe, Alexandr Wang and more. At BRINC, we are committed to recruiting the world's best talent to join us in our mission to support first responders in saving lives.

About this Role:

BRINC is seeking an experienced sUAS Pilot to support flight testing operations at our off‑site test facility. In this role, you will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of the BRINC Responder and BRINC Station systems, frequently working in coordination with remote operators.

You will collaborate closely with BRINC’s Engineering team to execute flight test plans, collect data, and validate system functionality in real‑world operating environments. This position plays a critical role in supporting product development, testing, and continuous improvement efforts.

In addition, you will partner with BRINC’s Training team to conduct remote sUAS operations for customer and employee training programs, ensuring participants gain hands‑on experience and operational proficiency with BRINC platforms.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate sUAS engineering test flights and data collection.. You will be responsible for ensuring operations are in compliance with FAA regulations and company policies.

  • Conduct pre‑flight inspections, post‑flight inspections, and post‑flight analysis.

  • Monitor weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and other potential hazards to ensure safe operations.

  • Daily test site setup and breakdown. Making sure the test site is up and running at the beginning of each day, then brought offline and cleaned up at the end of each day.

  • Communicate testing time and hardware availability with internal stakeholders

Qualifications:
  • FAA Part 107 Certification.

  • Practical experience with sUAS.

  • Knowledge and experience operating in US airspace.

  • 3+ years experience with commercial or public sUAS operations or university level education and training in civil sUAS operations.

  • Excellent piloting skills, with the ability to navigate drones in various weather conditions and environments.

  • Ability to convey technical information to various stakeholders.

  • Understanding of sUAS systems and sUAS real world performance.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience operating several different sUAS systems from a variety of manufacturers

  • Experience with technical or engineering record keeping, note taking, and tools.

  • General understanding of drone technology, including sensors, cameras, and flight control systems.

  • Experience debugging hardware and software systems.

  • Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and evaluate unmanned aerial systems..

  • Ability to work independently in a startup environment.

  • Desire and/or ability to spend time outdoors.

BRINC Culture Values:
  • Try the hard stuff

  • Be innovative - Invent the future

  • Move fast

  • Listen to end-users

  • Strive for excellence

  • Don’t build a dystopia

  • Be frugal

  • Save lives through technology

If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!

BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.

Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families

  • 401K plan

  • Maternity and paternity leave

  • Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)

  • Flexible work environment

  • Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)

  • Free parking (Seattle office)

  • Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

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