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Contract Pilot Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

R&M Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$100K - $126K/yr

... government contracts. Participate in vehicle system design reviews to influence the design for ... Provide technical assistance during design, prototype, pilot, and production phases when applicable.

... government contracts. Participate in vehicle system design reviews to influence the design for ... Provide technical assistance during design, prototype, pilot, and production phases when applicable.

Sr. R&M Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$73K - $117K/yr

... contracts. Interpret failure analysis data and suggest levels of maintenance and repair. Create ... Provide technical assistance during design, prototype, pilot, and production phases when applicable.

Contract Pilot information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$48.3K

$127.7K

$196.1K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Appleton, WI is $127,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $151,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Contract Pilot Do?

A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

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

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What are contract pilots?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation

Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Appleton, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,738 per year, or $61.4 per hour.
Senior Reliability Engineer

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Reliability Engineer
Job Location: Oshkosh, WI
Eligibility/Clearance: ship required as this supports a
government contract
Job Description: Senior Reliability Engineer will be responsible for
interpretation, planning, and execution of Reliability and
Maintainability (R&M) requirements on government contracts. Participate
in vehicle system design reviews to influence the design for
maintainability in accordance with engineering standards and project
scope. Interpret failure analysis data and suggest levels of maintenance
and repair. Create operator, maintenance, and troubleshooting process
instructions. Suggest design improvements to mitigate the risk of
failures and reduce maintenance impact. Work collectively with cross
functional teams to meet and exceed customer expectations.

YOUR IMPACT:
-Perform Aftermarket Supportability analysis of engineering design to
include design for maintainability.
-Work with Test and Development, Design Engineering, and subcontractors
to develop product lifecycle support plans.
-Analyze vehicle platforms using Failure Modes Effects and Criticality
Analysis (FMECA), Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Level of
Repair Analysis (LORA).
-Customer communication for requirements planning and execution.
-Provide technical assistance during design, prototype, pilot, and
production phases when applicable.
-Recommend and assist in the implementation of Conditioned Based
Maintenance (CBM) solutions.
-Collaborate with aftermarket design, provisioning, publication, and
validation teams in support of the development of technical manuals and
databases.
-Ability to perform work autonomously and proactively report program
status and completeness.
-Prepare and present technical reports for leadership and customers as
needed.
-Participate in our People First culture.
-Continual pursuit of new systems and technologies to support vehicle
logistics planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
-Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial,
or equivalent).
-Understanding of vehicular systems and their integration.
-3 plus years of related experience in a heavy equipment industry.
-Experience in reliability & maintainability engineering.
-Strong verbal and written communication skills.
-Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
-Experience with CAD Modeling software and interpretation of engineering
drawings and schematics.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS:
-Advanced mathematical and statistics background.
-Advanced technical writing skills.
-Strong working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and
electrical schematics and systems.
-Diesel and/or Agricultural equipment repair and assembly experience.
-Computer programming familiarity including Arbor Text, VBA, etc.
-PTC product experience including Windchill, Creo, and Windchill Quality
Solutions.
-Vendor development and support experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
-Physical Demands: Frequent: Standing, Walking/Running, Sitting,
Reaching, Hearing, Talking, Visual, Typing; Occasional: Driving, Fine
Dexterity, Manual Dexterity; Upper Extremity Repetitive Motion; Seldom:
Lifting/Carrying 25lbs., Pushing/Pulling 25llbs.
-Non-Physical Demands: Frequent: Analysis/Reasoning,
Communication/Interpretation, Math/Mental Computation, Reading,
Sustained Mental Activity (i.e. auditing, problem solving, grant
writing, composing reports), Writing.
-Environmental Demands: Frequent: Work Alone, Frequent Task Changes,
TedioExacting Work; Occasional: High Volume Public Contact.
-Work Schedule: Routine shift hours. Infrequent overtime, weekend, or
shift rotation.
-Demands/Deadlines: High volume and variable work demands and deadlines
impose strain on routine basis or considerable stress intermittently; OR
regular direct contacts with distressed individuals within the immediate
work environment; and/or exposure to demands and pressures from persons
other than immediate supervisor.
Arena Technical, LLC, (AT) and Arena Technical Resources, LLC, (ATR) are
Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE) who will provide equal employment
opportunity to employees and applicants for employment without regard to
 race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age,
veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, marital status, family structure, genetic information, or
mental or physical disability