The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) is looking for motivated, enthusiastic candidates to participate in our Graduate Assistant (GA) program.

Established in 2007, the NTPS Flight Test Engineer (FTE) GA program was launched to produce well-rounded FTE graduates with industry-leading education and training coupled with real-world FTE experience. During this 3-year FTE scholarship program, GAs have the opportunity to pursue a Professional Course FTE Diploma, a Master of Science degree in Flight Test Engineering, and obtain 3 years of practical FTE experience. NTPS prides itself on enabling individuals in this program to achieve FTE certification and break into the flight test industry.

Successful candidates have a true passion for aviation and a career in flight test. These individuals have a wide range of experience and are able to work well in teams and take on individual responsibility. Being self-driven and resilient will ensure candidates get the most out of this program. Programming skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB) and experience using data-analysis or artificial intelligence (AI) tools are a plus.

Join us as a Graduate Assistant at NTPS and you will have the opportunity to gain:

• Professional Course Flight Test Engineer Diploma.
• Master of Science degree in Flight Test Engineering.
• Real-world flight test engineering experience.
• Experience working with and learning from industry-leading Flight Test Engineer and Test Pilot instructional staff.

Performance Objectives:

At NTPS you will utilize your Bachelor of Science degree (engineering or STEM-related field), academic achievements (min GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale) and experience (internships or some related aerospace work experience preferred) to:

• Participate in Research and Development (R&D) projects (Use your engineering knowledge and experience to support delivery of R&D projects and capabilities to NTPS curriculum activities).
• Assist with and enrich practical exercises for NTPS course modules (Use your ability to learn, retain and apply technical skills to operate NTPS facilities and equipment to enrich training events).
• Act as a design/project engineer for approved GA engineering projects (Use your engineering management and design experience to effectively manage, execute and deliver GA specific projects within required timeframes).
• Excel within academic modules towards earning a Master of Science degree and expand hands-on experience with aviation systems and operations.

Requirements – FTE GA Program:

• Bachelor of Science degree (engineering or STEM-related field) with min GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
• The Bachelor’s degree must be from an ABET-accredited program.
• If your school does not use a 4.0 GPA scale, please explain its grading scale in your application email.
• The selected GA candidate must be able to begin employment on 1 June 2027.
• Candidates must be able to obtain a second-class FAA medical certificate.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable law, or otherwise authorized or eligible to access ITAR-controlled technical data (for a DSP-5 export license).
• Candidates must be willing to relocate to the Mojave, CA area.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa

Application Procedure:

• Download the Standard Resume (GA Resume Format). Failure to use the appropriate resume format will result in disqualification.
• Complete all sections of the resume and save it as a PDF named LastName_FirstName_GA2026.pdf.
• Email the completed resume, together with a copy of your academic transcript(s), to:

GAprogram2026@ntps.edu  

• Use the subject line: “GA Application 2026 – LastName, FirstName”.
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, 6 December 2026.
• You will receive an automatic confirmation when your application arrives. Please note that we will not contact applicants until the application period has closed and all applications have been reviewed.

 

Tentative Recruiting Timeline (notifications will be sent within the dates shown):

9 November – 6 December 2026: Accepting Applications

18 January 2027 – 22 January 2027: Notification of the 1^st Round Selections

25 January 2027 – 5 February 2027: Technical Assessment

8 February 2027 – 19 February 2027: Notification of the 2^nd Round Selections

1 March 2027 – 31 March 2027: Interviews

16 April 2027: Decision

1 June 2027: Start

 

Compensation:

This role will be eligible for an annualized salary of $42,500 and will receive relocation assistance if required to relocate for the role.

Questions? Contact us at GAprogram2026@ntps.edu