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Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$95K - $143K/yr

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation ...

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation ...

Aircraft Pilot 2's may fill the following duty positions based on location or operational need: * Rotary Wing Pilot * Rotary Wing Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument (CFI/CFII). OUR ORGANIZATION ...

Aircraft Pilot 2's may fill the following duty positions based on location or operational need: Rotary Wing Pilot Rotary Wing Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument (CFI/CFII). OUR ORGANIZATION ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. * Minimum 2000 hours PIC Helicopter flight time * Minimum 500 hours in medium (Type 2) turbine powered helicopters.

Position Summary As a UAS Pilot in Command (PIC), you will operate a TEROS fixedwing unmanned aircraft system supporting commercial UAS flight operations focused on linear infrastructure inspections ...

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Aircraft Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the common challenges aircraft pilots face during routine flights?

Aircraft pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected technical issues, and the need for precise communication with air traffic control. They must remain calm under pressure and be prepared to make quick decisions to ensure passenger and crew safety. Additionally, pilots frequently manage irregular schedules and long hours, which can impact work-life balance, making adaptability and strong time-management skills essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, excellent hand-eye coordination, and the appropriate pilot certifications such as a commercial pilot license (CPL) or airline transport pilot license (ATPL). Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation tools, and aviation weather software is typically required. Outstanding situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of aircraft in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.

What are Aircraft Pilots?

Aircraft pilots are trained professionals responsible for operating and navigating airplanes, helicopters, or other types of aircraft. They ensure the safe and efficient transportation of passengers or cargo by following flight plans, communicating with air traffic control, and monitoring aircraft systems. Pilots can work for commercial airlines, private charter companies, or in sectors such as cargo transport, law enforcement, or emergency medical services. Their duties also include conducting pre-flight checks, responding to emergencies, and keeping up to date with aviation regulations. Becoming an aircraft pilot typically requires specialized training, certification, and ongoing education to maintain safety standards.

What is the difference between Aircraft Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAircraft PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) for advanced rolesCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), often with CPL or ATP
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriers, private flightsFlight schools, training aircraft, instructional settings
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, cargo companiesFlight training academies, flight schools

Aircraft Pilots operate aircraft for transportation, cargo, or private purposes, requiring advanced licenses. Flight Instructors focus on training new pilots, holding instructor-specific certifications. While both roles involve flying aircraft, pilots primarily transport passengers or cargo, whereas instructors teach and evaluate student pilots in training environments.

More about Aircraft Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Pilot jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Aircraft Pilot jobs? The top employers for Aircraft Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Aircraft Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Pilot jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Pilot jobs? For Aircraft Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

KBR

On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate Group 1-2 UAS and RC equivalent aircraft using a transmitter, control box, or tablet generally within line of sight.

  • Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging, and post-flight safing actions.

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology programs, including operation of various air vehicles, instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS.


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle mission integration, and lifecycle support. As a trusted partner with a proven history in mission technology, KBR collaborates closely with clients to develop innovative and effective solutions. With a strong ethical framework, KBR prioritizes data security, privacy, and responsible information management to ensure mission success.

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test and operational environment. This role emphasizes hands-on stick-and-rudder flying, including manual takeoffs, pattern work, and landings, rather than automated or waypoint-based mission execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage point using traditional RC-style transmitters or manual ground control interfaces, with a strong ability to maintain orientation, manage energy, and execute stable approaches in varying conditions. Unlike many modern UAS roles, this position requires direct manual control of the aircraft rather than reliance on GPS waypoint navigation or automated flight modes. Candidates with radio control (RC), giant-scale model aircraft, aerobatic, or other manual flight backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position supports Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX24) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Webster Field, MD. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of aircrew support for NAVAIR. As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology teams composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Operate Group 1-2 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight of the air vehicle.
  • Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging, and post-flight safing actions when not actively controlling an aircraft.
  • Operate remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft using a handheld transmitter/controller or control interface, typically within visual line of sight, to meet daily test objectives.
  • Serves as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology programs, including operation of various air vehicles, instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS.
  • This position may include supervisory duties.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: High School Graduate.
  • Experience: Experience flying remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft (hobby, club, competitive, or professional). Certain military UAS may also apply.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Certifications/Designations Required: Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An Associate's degree or higher in a UAS, aviation, or engineering-related field is highly desired. Formal education in test and evaluation is highly desired.
  • 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS or equivalent-sized model aircraft is desired. Two years of RDT&E flight test experience is desired.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with prototype autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar), Ground Control Stations, and UAS integration and modification is highly desired.
  • Past designation as an FAA Commercial Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot by the U.S. Armed Forces is desired.
  • Familiarity with operations from Webster Outlying Field and UAS operations in the surrounding airspace is highly desired.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is desired.

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Basic Compensation: $95,400 - $143,600. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998