Flight Test Pilot & FAA DER-T

Pilot Assessments; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Assessments is seeking a hands-on Flight Test Pilot to support certification activities in California. You will plan, brief, and execute flight tests as PIC or chase pilot, and transform flight data into actionable insights for certification programs.

Experience with fixed-wing and rotary-wing testing, plus DER-T authorization and professional English, are essential. This role requires travel and extended hours during critical test campaigns, with base in Marina, CA.

Qualifications

• FAA DER-T authorization required.
• Professional English proficiency.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel for test schedules.

Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, and execute flight tests as pilot-in-command or chase pilot.
• Conduct simulator testing to refine test points, evaluate procedures, and reduce flight risk.
• Lead thorough debriefs; perform post-flight analysis and author clear, data-driven reports.
• Coordinate closely with test ops and engineering teams to ensure safe, disciplined test execution.
• Travel as needed and flex to extended hours during critical test campaigns.

Skills

Professional English proficiency

Ability to travel for test schedules

Extended hours availability

Education

FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T authorization

Job description

Role snapshot

In this hands-on, mission-critical role, you will plan and execute certification flight tests, fly as pilot or chase pilot, and transform flight data into actionable insights that advance type certification for Joby’s electric air-taxi platform.

What you will do

• Plan, brief, and execute flight tests as pilot-in-command or chase pilot in support of certification objectives.
• Conduct simulator testing to refine test points, evaluate procedures, and reduce flight risk.
• Lead thorough debriefs; perform post-flight analysis and author clear, data-driven reports.
• Coordinate closely with test ops and engineering teams to ensure safe, disciplined test execution.
• Travel as needed and flex to extended hours during critical test campaigns.

What you bring

• FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T authorization.
• Professional English proficiency.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel to support test schedules.

Preferred experience

• Fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight-test experience.
• Certification flight-test experience.
• Hands-on testing with electric-aircraft or eVTOL platforms.

Base: Marina, CA (travel required for test activities)