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Contract Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STV is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator - Aviation to join our PM/CM team to support one of our aviation clients in Los Angeles, CA. The right candidate will have strong technical skills ...

STV is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator - Aviation to join our PM/CM team to support one of our aviation clients onsite in Los Angeles, CA. The right candidate will have strong technical ...

Aviation Technician (A&P Mechanic) This contract Aviation Technician (A&P Mechanic) role focuses on performing a comprehensive 10-year inspection on Embraer Praetor 500 aircraft. You will carry out ...

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Contract Aviation information

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$21K

$55.3K

$91.5K

How much do contract aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract aviation in the United States is $55,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract aviation professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract aviation professionals often face challenges such as adapting quickly to new teams and procedures, managing irregular work schedules, and ensuring regulatory compliance across different employers or locations. Building strong communication skills and maintaining up-to-date certifications can help ease transitions between assignments. Additionally, being proactive in understanding each client's safety protocols and company expectations is crucial for success. Networking with other contract professionals can also provide valuable support and industry insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Aviation Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Aviation Professional, you need a solid understanding of aviation operations, relevant licenses or certifications (such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate or pilot license), and compliance with industry regulations. Familiarity with aviation management systems, flight planning software, and maintenance tracking tools is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart in coordinating with diverse teams and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and safety in the dynamic aviation environment.

What are contract aviation jobs?

Contract aviation jobs are temporary or project-based roles within the aviation industry, such as pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, or ground crew who are hired on a contractual basis rather than as permanent employees. These positions often fill short-term needs, such as seasonal demand, special projects, or coverage during staff shortages. Contract aviation professionals may work for airlines, private charter companies, maintenance providers, or government agencies. This type of employment offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with various organizations but may lack some of the benefits associated with full-time positions.

What is the difference between Contract Aviation vs Contract Pilot?

AspectContract AviationContract Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), possibly ATP depending on roleCommercial Pilot License (CPL), possibly ATP depending on role
Work EnvironmentVarious aircraft types, multiple clients, short-term assignmentsSingle aircraft, specific operator, short-term or project-based
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, private operatorsPrivate companies, charter services, aerial survey firms

Contract Aviation refers to the broader industry involving pilots working on a contractual basis across different aircraft and operators. Contract Pilot specifically describes pilots hired temporarily for specific flights or projects. While both roles require similar certifications, Contract Aviation encompasses a wider range of aviation services, whereas Contract Pilot focuses on individual pilot assignments.

More about Contract Aviation jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Aviation jobs? Cities with the most Contract Aviation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation jobs? The most popular types of Aviation jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Aviation jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Aviation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Aviation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,268 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Business Developer - Missiles, Space and Aviation

Business Developer - Missiles, Space and Aviation

System Studies & Simulation, Inc.

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Code:
4870
FLSA Status:
Exempt
S3, Inc. is a rapidly diversifying business, approaching 1000 employees, founded in 1991, and headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Sยณ, Inc. provides technical, programmatic, logistics, maintenance, and training services to space, missile and aviation, other Government agencies, Partner Nation militaries, and DoW requirements, at CONUS and OCONUS sites co-located with customer requirements. With a staff that is 85% veterans, the company operates under a ISO 9001/AS9100 certified Quality Management System.
Sยณ's Agile Engineering Division (AED) supports PAE/PMO technical services for offensive and defensive fires and for PAE Aviation and PMO's.
S3, Inc. has wholly owned subsidiaries that expand the customer base and increase our annual growth rate: KBFS - provides aviation pilot training, heavy lift, aircraft maintenance, and related aircraft services to government and commercial requirements IAW multiple FAA certifications; S3I - provides OCONUS FMS technical services, maintenance, and aviation platform training; and GLSS - provides SCA/CBA contract aviation maintenance.
S3, Inc. and its subsidiaries are recruiting to expand and augment staff for contract growth. We are proud to offer above-industry-standard benefits and encourage our team members to build fulfilling careers with our mission-focused leadership. Come work with us, and let us build something great together!
At our HQ in Cummings Research Park, Huntsville, AL., Sยณ's AED is seeking a Business Developer for missiles, space, and aviation acquisition programs to develop long-term relationships with clients and play a crucial role in the success of our company
This is not a telework position.
Note: No 3rd party staffing companies please
Job Description:
Senior Level Management of a federally contracted engineering business sector, responsible and accountable for assigned new business target identification, capture strategy, team creation, assessment of POM, achievement of POW, proposal execution and compliance to schedule, pricing BOE, debrief, and lessons learned briefing to corporate leadership.
Sยณ is a prime and subcontractor on multiple contracts servicing the aviation, missiles, and space community. This position services these contract vehicles as a minimum and is responsible for adding additional contract vehicles. Business base is predominantly Army, focused on engineering services growth with AF, Navy, MDA, and Space Command.
Responsibilities:
  • Presents and briefs senior leadership on business opportunities during the appropriate monthly bid board meetings.
  • Oversees proposal management and development, ensuring that critical strategic messaging is incorporated into the proposal and that the win strategy is clearly reflected in the final submission to maximize the probability of win (PWin) for industry proposals or the development of Technical/Functional Proposals (TFPs) for government initiatives.
  • Develops and maintains customer, program, and client relationships that lead to repeat contract awards within industry or the establishment of programs of record within government organizations.
  • Assists in the development of corporate business strategies for defense industry organizations or program development strategies for government entities.
  • Executes strategic capture plans for business development within industry or for government program initiatives.
  • Develops Federal contract pricing estimates to support proposal submissions and program planning.
  • Facilitates and obtains approval of gate reviews through a formal business capture lifecycle model, or supports achievement of key milestone decision points within government programs.
  • Prepares Bid and Proposal (B&P) estimates, leads proposal kickoff meetings, and serves in roles such as Capture Manager, Proposal Manager, and when appropriate, transitions to Program Manager following contract award.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of the corporate proposal development process and recommends improvements based on lessons learned and best practices.
  • Maintains waterfall to ensure alignment with solicitation requirements and contractual compliance.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 20 years of experience in Department of Defense (DoD) contract operations, including 15 years supporting RSA missiles and space customers
  • Minimum of 20 years of experience serving as a DoD technical services Capture Manager, including leading and securing approval of gate reviews through a formal business capture lifecycle model
  • Demonstrated success in securing a contract award exceeding $100M within the past three years
  • At least 10 years of experience overseeing proposal management and development, ensuring that critical strategic messaging is effectively incorporated into proposals and that the win strategy is clearly reflected in the final submission to maximize probability of win (PWin)
  • Preferred: Experience serving on corporate staff and reporting to C-suite leadership, with demonstrated success in developing business strategies for organizations in technical services or the defense industry
  • Preferred: Experience developing DoW project pricing estimates and preparing pricing volume submissions in response to Government Requests for Proposal (RFPs)

Systems Studies and Simulation, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.