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Contract Aviation Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Contracts Manager

Grand Rapids, MI ยท On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety ... In this role, you will support proposals, lead commercial contract negotiations, manage contract ...

Principal, Contracts Manager

Grand Rapids, MI ยท On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety ... In this role, you will support proposals, lead commercial contract negotiations, manage contract ...

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support ... In this role, you will support proposals, lead commercial contract negotiations, manage contract ...

... aviation in partnership with our customers. As a member of our team, you are instrumental in ... Position Summary Administers contracts for products of moderate scope and complexity to ensure ...

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Contract Aviation information

See Michigan salary details

$18.3K

$48.2K

$79.8K

How much do contract aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract aviation in Michigan is $48,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract aviation?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract aviation professional?

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Aviation jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Aviation jobs in Michigan?

For Contract Aviation jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Aviation job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,171 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Principal, Contracts Manager

Acron Aviation

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Acron Aviation (Avionics - Surveillance):
Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety-critical flight operations across commercial and military aviation. Within Avionics, the Surveillance product line develops and sustains systems that enable aircraft awareness, collision avoidance, and airspace interoperability. Our portfolio includes TCAS, Mode S transponders, ADS-B, and integrated surveillance solutions deployed across commercial, military, and rotorcraft platforms. This work is performed in highly regulated environments and demands deep expertise across systems, hardware, software, and RF throughout the full product lifecycle.
Job Title
Principal, Contracts Manager - Surveillance
Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to provide practical, business-focused contract leadership that helps the organization move fast, serve customers well, and manage risk. In this role, you will support proposals, lead commercial contract negotiations, manage contract financing and working capital objectives, and partner with Legal, Finance, Program, Sales, and Operations teams to close deals efficiently and responsibly.
You will also help modernize how we work by using data, process discipline, contract lifecycle management tools, automation, and responsible AI-enabled capabilities to improve speed, visibility, quality, and compliance.
The ideal candidate is commercially minded, confident working with senior leaders, and energized by a fast-moving environment. You bring ownership, sound judgment, and a collaborative style; communicate candidly and constructively; build strong customer and stakeholder relationships; and look for practical ways to improve contracting processes through technology and new ways of working.
Key Responsibilities
    • Manage complex commercial contracts across the full lifecycle, from proposal support and drafting through negotiation, execution, administration, compliance, and closeout
    • Develop practical contract strategies that support growth, improve deal velocity and cash flow, protect EBITDA, and appropriately manage legal, financial, operational, and compliance risk
    • Lead customer negotiations and draft, review, interpret, and negotiate terms and conditions, flow-downs, amendments, and related contract documents
    • Move fast by identifying issues early, removing roadblocks, prioritizing high-impact work, and driving timely resolution without compromising compliance or judgment
    • Speak candidly by clearly communicating risks, tradeoffs, options, and recommendations in a direct, constructive, and solutions-oriented manner
    • Put the customer first by balancing responsiveness and commercial flexibility with appropriate risk management and protection of the organization's interests
    • Own outcomes by taking accountability for assigned matters, following through on commitments, escalating appropriately, and keeping stakeholders aligned on decisions, obligations, and next steps
    • Use CLM tools, digital workflows, data, automation, and approved AI-enabled capabilities to improve contract quality, cycle time, visibility, reporting, and stakeholder self-service
    • Partner with Legal and other functions to review non-standard terms and ensure compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and contractual requirements
    • Build strong relationships with customers and internal teams to provide timely, practical, and high-quality contracting support
    • Champion integrity, ethical behavior, and compliance while providing proactive guidance in complex or ambiguous situations
    • Mentor and coach cross-functional partners on contract strategy, negotiation practices, risk awareness, process discipline, and effective use of approved contracting tools
    • Maintain accurate contract records and documentation for approvals, audits, retention, reporting, and knowledge sharing

Required Qualifications
    • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience
    • Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience

Preferred Additional Skills
    • Strong knowledge of commercial contracting principles, UCC concepts, and international commercial contract considerations
    • Experience negotiating and administering complex commercial contracts, long-term agreements, non-standard terms, and customer terms and conditions
    • Comfort working with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, contract repositories, CLM platforms, workflow tools, reporting dashboards, and database systems
    • Ability to use approved AI-enabled tools responsibly to support contract review, drafting, research, clause comparison, risk identification, workflow automation, and knowledge management
    • Process-improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and help implement scalable solutions that improve cycle time and stakeholder experience
    • Strong negotiation, analytical, business judgment, and decision-making skills, including comfort making recommendations when facts are incomplete or evolving
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak candidly, influence effectively, and tailor communications for diverse audiences
    • Ability to prioritize multiple high-impact matters, maintain momentum in a fast-paced environment, and collaborate effectively across a matrixed organization
    • High integrity, strong compliance focus, and a collaborative leadership style

Equal Opportunity Statement
Acron Aviation is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Additional Information:
Acron Aviation maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where allowed by law. Acron Aviation is an E-Verify employer.
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.