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Airship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent ...

This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent ...

Installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining airship subsystems including fuel, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic * Providing feedback to engineering on installation plans * Leading and ...

Senior Software Engineer (CA)

Sunnyvale, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

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 ...

This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent ...

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 ...

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 ...

This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer (Ohio)

Akron, OH · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

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 ...

Test Engineer

Akron, OH · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated contractor for a six-month engagement to accelerate our current development phase. We are looking for a versatile engineer with deep expertise in one of ...

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated contractor for a six-month engagement to accelerate our current development phase. We are looking for a versatile engineer with deep expertise in one of ...

... Airship, Omniture, Appthwack and Jira Solid understanding of the full mobile development life cycle. Please e-mail me if I miss your phone call ----- Thanks & Regards Tabish Hamid 516-545-0747 Sr. ...

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Airship information

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How much do airship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for airship in the United States is $19.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Airship vs Drone Operator?

AspectAirshipDrone Operator
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airship-specific trainingRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), drone-specific training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, large open spaces, airship hangarsIndoor and outdoor, varied locations, often urban or rural
Industry UsageAerial advertising, surveillance, tourismPhotography, videography, inspections, surveying

Both Airship operators and Drone Operators require specialized certifications and work in outdoor environments, but airship roles involve larger aircraft and specific licensing, while drone operators focus on remote-controlled devices for diverse applications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within aerial operations.

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

To thrive as an Airship Pilot, you need a valid pilot’s license, extensive knowledge of airship operation, navigation, and safety protocols, often supported by specialized training in lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft. Familiarity with avionics, GPS navigation systems, and meteorological tools is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operation and for responding effectively to changing flight conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by airship pilots during routine operations?

Airship pilots often navigate unique challenges compared to other aviation professionals, including managing the effects of wind and weather on the airship's large surface area and ensuring precise control during takeoff, landing, and low-speed maneuvers. Coordination with ground crew is essential, particularly for mooring and handling lines. Additionally, airship operations can require extended periods of monitoring and adjusting altitude and direction to maintain stability, making attention to detail and strong communication skills crucial for safe and efficient flights.

What are airships?

Airships, also known as dirigibles or blimps, are lighter-than-air aircraft that are powered and steerable. They use gas (typically helium) for lift and have engines to provide thrust and control direction. Airships were historically used for passenger travel, surveillance, advertising, and cargo transport, but are now mostly used for aerial observation, tourism, and promotional purposes. Their ability to hover and move slowly makes them ideal for tasks such as aerial photography and broadcasting at large events.
More about Airship jobs
What states have the most Airship jobs? States with the most job openings for Airship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,900 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

LTA Research

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA.
We're looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test 'firsts' and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.
Responsibilities
  • Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
  • Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
  • Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
  • Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
  • Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
  • Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
  • Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and 'squawks'.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Travel - Occasional.

Qualifications
  • 1-3+ years of experimental flight test experience.
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
  • Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
  • Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
  • Private Pilot or higher rating.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Aptitude with Python coding.
  • Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
  • Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
  • Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.

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

$85,000 - $140,000 a year
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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.