1

Airlift Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leverages extensive strategic and tactical airlift experience to shape system requirements Provides expert operational analysis to inform the Government-led Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) capability ...

New

... airlift modernization initiatives associated with the Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) weapon system. The incumbent will develop and deliver NGAL cost estimation products and requirements artifacts ...

New

Leverages Mission Readiness Airlift Database (MRAD) to perform planning tasks e.g., obtain mission numbers, close out mission information, and complete MRAD cycle. JOB REQUIREMENTS: * 5-7 years of ...

New

Leverages Mission Readiness Airlift Database (MRAD) to perform planning tasks e.g., obtain mission numbers, close out mission information, and complete MRAD cycle. JOB REQUIREMENTS: * 5-7 years of ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airlift information

See salary details

$71K

$94.8K

$121.5K

How much do airlift jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for airlift in the United States is $94,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airlift position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Airlift role, such as an Airlift Operations Specialist or Airlift Pilot, you need expertise in aviation operations, logistics coordination, flight planning, and a relevant degree or certification in aviation or logistics. Familiarity with flight management systems, air traffic control procedures, and possession of necessary licenses (e.g., commercial pilot license or equivalent for pilots) are typically required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and critical problem-solving skills are crucial for effective coordination and safety. These qualifications and traits are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable transport of personnel or cargo in time-sensitive or challenging environments.

What is an Airlift job?

An Airlift job typically involves coordinating and managing the transportation of personnel, cargo, or equipment via aircraft. This role is common in military, commercial, and humanitarian operations, ensuring timely and efficient air logistics. Responsibilities may include planning flight routes, overseeing loading and unloading procedures, and maintaining communication with pilots and ground crews. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of aviation regulations are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical work environments and teams for professionals in airlift operations?

Airlift professionals often work in dynamic environments, such as airports, airbases, or remote sites, depending on whether the role is civilian or military. Team structures commonly include pilots, logisticians, maintenance crews, flight coordinators, and support staff, all working closely to ensure mission success and safety. Collaboration and communication are integral, especially during time-critical operations or emergency response scenarios. Working hours can be irregular, including nights, weekends, or extended shifts due to flight schedules or operational demands. Many find that the role offers diverse experiences, the opportunity to travel, and a strong sense of teamwork and purpose.

More about Airlift jobs
What cities are hiring for Airlift jobs? Cities with the most Airlift job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airlift jobs? The most popular types of Airlift jobs are:
What states have the most Airlift jobs? States with the most job openings for Airlift jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airlift job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 63% Physical, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,798 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
SME AQQ (Presidential and Executive Air Lift)

SME AQQ (Presidential and Executive Air Lift)

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Washington, DC

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

We are seeking an Acquisition Program Analyst (SME) to support our client at the Pentagon. Please see below for the job description and desired qualifications;

The office you will be working out of, directs, plans, and programs for development, procurement, and product support of Global Reach programs. Serves as the focal point within the HAF for Global Reach matters associated with integrated product life cycle management and facilitates Global Reach stakeholder collaboration in addressing lifecycle issues. The portfolio includes current and future mobility, special operations, trainer, and special mission aircraft programs, as well as related systems. Programs include C-5, C- 17, C-130J variants, C-130H, VC-25, Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR), C- 12/20/21/32/37/40, KC-10, KC-135, KC-46A, CV-22, HH-60G, Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH), UH-1N Replacement, T-1, T-6, T-38, Advanced Pilot Trainer (APT or T-X), Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), Combat Air Forces/Mobility Air Forces (CAF/MAF) Distributed Mission Operations (DMO), and the Air Force Academy Powered Flight and Glider programs.

This position directly supports OSA/EA and VC-25A/B programs. This individual must meet the qualifications for the SME position as well have at least 5 years supporting OSA/EA programs or experience relevant to OSA/EA programs including operational experience with OSA/EA-related platforms and Senior Leader Communication programs and a firm understanding of the various organizations involved in OSA/EA and Presidential Airlift [Presidential Airlift Group (PAG), White House Military Office (WHMO), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Special Air Missions Division (CVAM), etc.]

*This position is currently telework eligible, with on-site work 4-5 days per week.

**This position can potentially be 100% onsite, based on the mission's needs.

The tasks for this position include:

  • Supporting HAF budget preparation and defense, SAE oversight and decision-making activities, PEO program execution and oversight efforts of aircraft platforms.
  • Maintaining and analyzing planning, scheduling, and management data.
  • Studying, analyzing, and providing recommendations on requirements, acquisition strategies, program documentation, program phase transition plans, supplemental information, and program execution.
  • Providing impartial assessments of programs approaching milestone decisions and of prime contractor technical and operational issues.
  • Researching and analyzing program trends, identifying issues, and recommending solutions.
  • Making recommendations on the allocation of funding, establishment of program goals, objectives, and schedules, and the formulation of program direction.
  • Tracking documentation for compliance with stated program direction and identifying issues.
  • Identifying and researching programmatic issues and tradeoffs in terms of required capabilities, costs, and schedules.
  • Reviewing and providing recommendations on existing and proposed Air Force acquisition and capability area policies and implementation.
  • Maintaining historical Air Force weapon program documentation and developing summary documents/briefings and training material.
  • Providing short-notice, quick-reaction analyses of critical programmatic issues in the context of Congressional, OSD Staff, Joint Staff, HQ USAF, MAJCOM, NATO, coalition, or bi-lateral activities.
  • Preparing PPBE documentation to ensure it accurately articulates the current program.
  • Supporting the HAF review process- AFROC, JWCAs, DABs, Congressional cycle, ASPs, AFRBs, CSBs, GAO reports, etc.
  • Performing the Secretariat function for ASPs, AFRBs, and CSBs.
  • Reviewing and documenting MDR and FOIA requests.
  • Reviewing capability area analysis and compare current and programmed capabilities/scenarios to determine and clarify Air Force weapon system acquisition requirements.
  • Monitoring on-going studies, analyses, and developmental work relevant to weapon systems.
  • Supporting program-specific efforts like CONOPS development, CDD, CPD, IER, and requirements working groups.
  • Handles confidential and classified (Secret/TS-SCI) information, correspondence, and communications.
  • Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties list above and as coordinated with the COR.

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

  • A minimum of 10 years of experience with DoD acquisitions, with at least 1 year in a Headquarters staff position.
  • Masters Degree in any discipline.
  • Strong familiarity with the DoD budget cycle and PPBE processes.
  • 5 years supporting OSA/EA programs or experience relevant to OSA/EA programs including operational experience with OSA/EA-related platforms and Senior Leader Communication programs and a firm understanding of the various organizations involved in OSA/EA and Presidential Airlift [Presidential Airlift Group (PAG), White House Military Office (WHMO), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Special Air Missions Division (CVAM), etc.]