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Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply foundational principles in a new fly-by-wire environment. As a key member of our certification team, you will ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply foundational principles in a new fly-by-wire environment. As a key member of our certification team, you will ...

Wisk Aero

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126 - $157/hr

We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

Medium

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135 - $250/hr

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

Wisk Aero

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126K - $157K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

Wisk

Staff Test Pilot (Hollister)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

New

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $250K/yr

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

Wisk Aero LLC

Staff Test Pilot (Hollister)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

New

Wisk Aero LLC

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$126 - $157/hr

We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

Wisk

Sr. Test Pilot

Hollister, CA

$126K - $157K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

Airbus

Test Pilot (Mobile)

Mobile, AL · On-site

Test Pilot** to join our Engineering department based in Mobile, AL.The Test Pilot is responsible for ensuring the proper execution of ground and flight tests on A220 and A320 production aircraft.

New

Wisk Aero

Staff Test Pilot (Hollister)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely ...

New

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All JobsTest Pilot Jobs

Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 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.
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Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Test Pilot DER

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA • On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We've designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We're looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying the Joby aircraft, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply foundational principles in a new fly-by-wire environment. As a key member of our certification team, you will leverage your experience as a DER or ODA Unit Member, with the acumen to navigate the evolving certification landscape of next-generation aviation.

Responsibilities
  • Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot, chase pilot, flight debriefs and post-flight analysis and reporting
  • Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes
  • Contribute to flight readiness reviews, test safety reviews, and other flight test admin activities
  • Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
  • Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked to provide design feedback
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Review, contribute, and coordinate with the FAA to complete certification and flight test compliance documents required to attain Type Certification.  
  • Other duties as assigned or required
Required
  • FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
Desired
  • Both fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight test experience
  • FAA certification flight test experience
  • Experience with all-electric aircraft

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $222,400 - $286,500/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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