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Test Pilot Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction ... Must have logged 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary ...

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 ...

Drive project planning and execution to ensure all test solutions are developed, validated, documented, and ready before pilot and production launches. * Partner with research and development and ...

Drive project planning and execution to ensure all test solutions are developed, validated, documented, and ready prior to pilot and production launches. * Partner with R&D and Manufacturing ...

Drive detailed planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run. * Fixture Development: Partner with R&D and ...

Drive detailed planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run. * Fixture Development: Partner with R&D and ...

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Test Pilot information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$60.8K

$78.4K

$131.3K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in Wichita, KS is $78,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $80,200.00 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Test Pilot jobs in Wichita, KS?

The most popular types of Test Pilot jobs in Wichita, KS are:

What are popular job titles related to Test Pilot jobs in Wichita, KS?

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

What job categories do people searching Test Pilot jobs in Wichita, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Pilot jobs in Wichita, KS are:

What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Test Pilot jobs?

Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Test Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,414 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

AIRPLANE PILOT

Mcconnell Air Force Base, KS • On-site


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

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Recommended by students


$131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:Conditions of Employment cont.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
This is an AFRC key management position, in which, the incumbent is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.
This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
Aircrew and management duties include stress (both mental and physical), exposures to extreme hot and cold temperatures, gravity forces three in non-fighters and seven in fighters, and short notification for accomplishment of immediate action items directed by unit supervisors/higher headquarters that must be completed before the duty day ends.
Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation examinations which consist both of written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required of the position.
The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station.
The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
Performs other duties as assigned.
THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 905 AIR REFUELING SQ with the military rank of LT COL, AFSC: 011M3R. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Supplement to Qualification Standards for Air Reserve Technicians (ART), approved August 2017.
EXPERIENCE:
No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
GS-13:Must have logged 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student time). (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.)
CERTIFICATION: Must have a minimum of 1000 hours total military flight time in Mission Design Series (MDS), hold or qualify for a USAF pilot rating; hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have flown military aircraft within the past eight years.
NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG)REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS:
Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1\. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise as a pilot.
2\. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
3\. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft. Knowledge of flying operations and the unit mission.
4\. Knowledge of the relationship of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
5\. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER


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