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Airship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH

$125K - $150K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH

$125K - $150K/yr

... pilots, and other cross functional stake holders * Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship. * Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and ...

LTA Research

Senior Technical Project Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Evaluate and pilot AI-assisted scheduling and resource-planning tools, assessing fit for the team ... Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride * An opportunity to change the world and work ...

All JobsAirship Pilot Jobs

Airship Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do airship pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for airship pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an airship pilot?

To become an airship pilot, you need to obtain a commercial pilot certificate with an airship rating from the relevant aviation authority, which requires meeting minimum flight hour requirements, passing written and practical exams, and holding a valid medical certificate. Additionally, gaining experience through flight training and understanding airship operations and safety procedures are essential steps in the process.

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

Airship Pilots require strong navigational skills, thorough aeronautical knowledge, and often a valid commercial pilot’s license with specific airship certification. They commonly use avionics systems, GPS navigation, communication radios, and specialized instrumentation to operate and monitor the airship. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making abilities, and calm communication are vital soft skills for effective operation and crew coordination. These competencies ensure safe, precise handling of airships and successful mission execution under varying weather and operational conditions.

What is an Airship Pilot job?

An Airship Pilot is responsible for operating and navigating airships, also known as dirigibles or blimps. They manage flight planning, weather assessment, and ensure safe takeoff, flight, and landing. Airship pilots often work in advertising, tourism, surveillance, or research. They must hold a pilot’s license with a specific airship rating and undergo specialized training.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Airship pilots typically do not earn $400 an hour; their wages are generally lower and depend on experience, employer, and type of operation. Most airship pilots earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with hourly rates often ranging from $20 to $50, though specialized or highly experienced pilots may earn higher wages. Flight hours, certifications, and the complexity of the airship influence pay rates.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for Airship Pilots?

Airship Pilots often work in dynamic environments, spending significant time in the air as well as at ground facilities for pre-flight checks and maintenance oversight. Schedules can be irregular and are typically dependent on flight assignments, weather conditions, and the specific purpose of the airship operation—ranging from advertising and tourism to surveillance or research missions. Pilots usually work closely with ground crews, maintenance technicians, and operations managers to ensure safe and efficient flights. The role demands flexibility and adaptability, as flight plans may change on short notice based on operational needs or shifting weather patterns.

How much do you get paid to drive a blimp?

Airship pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries can vary widely, with some pilots earning more with specialized skills or working for large companies in the advertising or tourism industries.

How much do airship pilots make?

Airship pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the airship, certifications, and hours flown, with some pilots earning higher wages through specialized skills or commercial operations.
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Airship Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airship Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

LTA Research

Sunnyvale, CA

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

LTA Research and Exploration, an aerospace start-up, is seeking a motivated Senior Software Engineer to help build a revolutionary ‘lighter than air’ flight vehicle. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to plan, conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication, and assembly of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight systems development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot". This unique position allows for hands-on leadership through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle.

We are seeking a high energy, passionate Senior Software Engineer to help further the development of software for safety critical systems as well as actively test and validate rapidly developed software on the Airship.

Responsibilities
  • Lead Capturing and Finalizing  Software Requirements in collaboration with flight test engineers, flight operations, pilots, and other cross functional stake holders
  • Lead and maintain Design of Safety Critical Software for aircraft/airship.
  • Lead and hands-on with Safety Critical Software Implementation and integration activities.
  • Develop comprehensive test sets for validation and verification of released software.
  • Lead root cause analysis of issues stemming from internal and external test activities.
  • Lead software development in conjunction with other systems to Verify & Validate repeatability and reliability on the Airship meeting quality and timing requirements. 
  • Develop and establish requirements for associated Simulation software.
  • Create and maintain Simulation software design documentation and test reports.
  • Lead various levels of Software Releases for various testing and final usage Airship.
  • Lead Software Change Request, Merge Request, Software Review, etc. activities
  • Lead Software Engineering project related development activities.
  • Collaborate with various cross functional teams.
  • Lead and/or Support training activities.
Qualifications
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.
  • 7/5 years of experience in a similar Senior Software Engineer role and responsibilities.
  • Proficient in Real Time Operating System and Embedded Systems based development.
  • Proficient in C#, C++, RTOS, Python, and Scripting.
  • Proficient with GitLab based CI-CD software build toolchain and release.
  • Proficient in common software validation practices and standards.
  • Detail oriented and well organized with excellent communication skills.
  • Self-Starter as well as a Team player, with a can-do attitude and a desire to learn.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with aviation standards such as DO-178C or equivalent industry standards.
  • Experience working with EE hardware interfaces such as MCU, Communication, Sensors, Actuators, etc.
  • Experience working with C and/or embedded C.
  • Experience working with PLC systems and HMI.
  • Experience in development of UI for cockpit, instrument cluster, equipment.
  • Basic front-end and back-end software architecture-based development.
What We Offer!
  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
 
SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance)
LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications.
We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use.
Message Frequency & Opt-Out:
Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP.
Consent & Privacy:
Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.