Lead Test Pilot

Company: Reliable Robotics
Location: Mountain View
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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 a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at Reliable Robotics. You will provide direction to the team, and be a leading voice to help guide the development of our safety enhancing technology. 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 Lead Test Pilot, your primary role will be to lead a team of highly motivated flight test pilots and engineers. You will also be responsible for developing and safely executing flight test plans in support of research and development efforts, and will fly the aircraft in both onboard and remote configurations. You will coordinate the training and scheduling of contract pilots, and help to 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. Throughout the development process, you will be instrumental in the execution of flight tests, data reviews, and proper operation of the system. Basic Success Criteria FAA Commercial Pilot ASEL with 1500 total flight hours, including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine Experience performing a secondary skillset while piloting (e.g. tactical aircraft, firefighting, cropdusting, SAR, ISR, law enforcement, etc.) Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher 2 years of experience in an aviation leadership role 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 Recent Caravan or PT6A experience Diversity of experience in multiple aircraft/ airframes CFII or military flight instructor 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 implementation In depth knowledge of systems engineering processes and principles Basic familiarity with software programming principles Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time. The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $225,000/annual salary cash and stock option awards benefits. At Reliable Robotics, we strive to provide competitive and rewarding compensation based on experience and expertise, as well as market conditions, location, and pay equity. In addition to base compensation, Reliable Robotics offers stock options, employee medical, 401k contribution, great co-workers and a casual work environment. 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

Keywords: Reliable Robotics, Citrus Heights , Lead Test Pilot, Engineering , Mountain View, California