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Balloon Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Officer (Home Based) - BD700

$115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Profile GOING MISSED, CRAB, FLARE, BALLOON, HOLD SHORT If you understand these expressions and are an experienced pilot, we'd love to hear from you. As a First Officer with Vista America, you ...

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Balloon Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do balloon pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for balloon 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 do you become a balloon pilot?

To become a balloon pilot, you need to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot certificate with a hot air balloon rating, which requires flight training, logbook hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additionally, pilots must meet age, health, and experience requirements and often complete a specific number of flight hours to qualify for certification.

How much do balloon pilots make?

Balloon pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of events they work at. Many pilots are paid per flight or event, and additional certifications can enhance earning potential.

What is a balloon pilot?

A Balloon Pilot is responsible for operating and navigating hot air balloons, ensuring passenger safety, and adhering to aviation regulations. They manage all aspects of balloon flight, including pre-flight preparations, weather assessments, and safe landings. Balloon pilots must hold a pilot’s license specific to hot air balloons and often provide sightseeing experiences or participate in competitive ballooning events.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a balloon pilot?

To thrive as a Balloon Pilot, you need expertise in meteorology, navigation, and aerostatics, often supported by a commercial balloon pilot license and relevant flight training. Familiarity with aviation regulations, onboard instrumentation, and radio communication systems is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, clear communication, and strong customer service skills help pilots manage both safety and memorable passenger experiences. These abilities ensure safe operations in varying weather conditions and foster trust and satisfaction among clients and crew.

What does a balloon pilot do?

A Balloon Pilot's workday often begins early, conducting thorough weather assessments and safety checks before assembling and inspecting the balloon. Pilots manage passenger briefings, coordinate with ground crews, and handle all operational aspects of the flight from takeoff to landing. The role also includes logistical tasks such as route planning, securing permits, and post-flight maintenance. Teamwork is important, as pilots regularly collaborate with ground personnel to track the balloon’s location and ensure safe landings. While the work can be physically demanding and highly dependent on weather conditions, it offers a unique and dynamic outdoor environment with direct engagement with passengers.

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What cities are hiring for Balloon Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Balloon Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Balloon Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Balloon Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Balloon Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Balloon Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Balloon Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Principal R&D Engineer (Balloon Tech) - Shockwave

6947-SHOCKWAVE MEDICAL INC. Legal Entity

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$141 - $227.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Principal R&D Engineer (Balloon Technology) at Shockwave Medical leads technical development of intravascular lithotripsy balloon devices. The role involves managing cross‑functional teams through concept to commercialization and developing new balloon and polymer technologies for future applications.

Essential Job Functions
  • Provide technical leadership for projects and manage technology development teams.
  • Design and develop products in compliance with company Design Control requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with Advanced R&D and PDP teams to translate finished device requirements to the balloon component level.
  • Survey emerging balloon and polymer technologies and explore novel applications to support strategic goals.
  • Develop practical applications of new balloon/polymer technologies to improve current and next‑generation products.
  • Execute a long‑term strategy with the Technologies Development Team for new designs, materials, and processing methods.
  • Prototype and develop proof‑of‑concept designs, disease models, and test methods in a simulated environment; base new product designs on defined user needs.
  • Work with clinical and scientific advisors and Key Opinion Leaders to translate clinical needs into design solutions.
  • Analyze, evaluate, source, and procure new materials for prototyping and pilot operations; maintain supplier relationships.
  • Act as SME or core team member on product development teams managing projects from concept to commercialization.
  • Ensure proper documentation (e.g., component and assembly drawings) consistent with the company’s quality system.
  • Plan and execute activities consistent with the company’s quality policy and objectives.
  • Develop protocols/reports and perform in‑vitro, in‑vivo, verification, and validation testing.
  • Enhance intellectual property position via invention disclosures and patent applications.
  • Maintain current knowledge of competitive and technical developments related to company products.
  • Support company goals, policies, procedures, quality systems, and FDA regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Polymer Science or related engineering/technical degree with 10 years’ experience in the medical device industry, or a Master’s Degree with 8 years’ experience.
  • 3+ years of polymer product development experience, including balloon blow molding.
  • Knowledge of disposable peripheral and coronary device design, material selection, and testing.
  • Strong understanding of engineering materials, component selection, and design for reliability and manufacturability.
  • Proven track record in technology development and/or early‑stage R&D; able to plan and execute tasks toward loosely defined research goals.
  • Proven successful project leadership skills.
  • Effective communication skills with all levels of management and organizations.
  • Ability to operate independently and adapt to changing requirements.
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
  • Previous experience managing cross‑functional teams is preferred.
  • Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and Design of Experiments is a strong plus.
  • Employee may be required to lift objects up to 25 lbs.
Additional Information

Salary range: $141,000 – $227,700. Eligible for annual performance bonus, long‑term incentive program, and company‑sponsored benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, accident, legal insurance, 401(k), and retirement plans. Vacation up to 120 hours per calendar year, sick time up to 40 hours (or 56 hours for Washington state residents), holidays, and paid time off as applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnson & Johnson is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status, and the organization will not discriminate on the basis of disability.

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