Chief Test Pilot

reliable-robotics· Flight Ops & Test
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📍 Mountain View, CA📍 San Martin, CAFullTime💰 USD 190K–260K/yr

About this role

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods — and eventually people — move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable Robotics. You will have a senior leadership role at the company, reporting directly to the Director of Flight Operations. You will work in a highly collaborative environment and coordinate with multiple engineering teams across the company to develop and execute flight test plans. 

Responsibilities

In your role as Chief Test Pilot, you will serve as the primary experimental test pilot and coordinate the training and scheduling of all contract pilots. You will ensure that all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will coordinate with Reliable’s Part 135 airline operations to support standardization of pilot procedures across the organization and help to develop an aviation safety system.

Basic Success Criteria

  • FAA Commercial Pilot ASEL with 1500 total flight hours, including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine, 500 XC, 100 NT, 75 INST

  • At least 20 flight hours within the last 12 months in a similar category aircraft to the Caravan

  • Experience in tactical aircraft or similar operation requiring use of a secondary skillset while piloting

  • Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher

  • 8+ years of professional experience in flight operations

  • 2+ years of experience performing or managing a flight test program or in a leadership role within an aviation context

Preferred Criteria

  • Graduate of an SETP recognized flight test school

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline or equivalent industry experience Caravan or PT6A experience

  • Diversity of experience in multiple aircraft/ airframes2+ years experience as a CFI or military flight instructor2+ years experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)

  • Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on Certification

  • Experience in developing flight procedures, training curricula, and safety management systems

  • Experience flying for a 14 CFR part 135 or 121 Air Carrier

  • Deep understanding of FAA certification processes and their implementationIn depth knowledge of systems engineering processes and principles

  • Basic familiarity with software programming principlesDemonstrated ability to lead a team with little to no supervision

Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Chief Test Pilot role at reliable-robotics?
The listed salary for this Chief Test Pilot position at reliable-robotics is USD 190K–260K/yr. This is an FullTime role.
Where is the Chief Test Pilot position at reliable-robotics located?
This Chief Test Pilot role at reliable-robotics is based in Mountain View, CA, San Martin, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Chief Test Pilot role at reliable-robotics full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FullTime position. It is posted as a Chief Test Pilot role in the Flight Ops & Test department at reliable-robotics.
Which team or department does the Chief Test Pilot at reliable-robotics belong to?
This Chief Test Pilot position is part of the Flight Ops & Test department at reliable-robotics. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Chief Test Pilot position at reliable-robotics?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to reliable-robotics's official application portal hosted on ashby where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Chief Test Pilot job at reliable-robotics posted?
This Chief Test Pilot position at reliable-robotics was posted on Apr 9, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Chief Test Pilot
reliable-robotics · 💰 USD 190K–260K/yr
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