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Contract Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and ... contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk. Build scenario analysis to explain the ...

Posted today

Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp to ensure scalable execution of tooling solutions across internal and contract manufacturing sites. * Lead root cause analysis and corrective ...

For R&D roles: work in lab settings and assist with pilot builds * For line assistants: manage ... Team‑oriented and supportive culture Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position ...

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Contract Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$51.6K

$136.6K

$209.7K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Riverside, CA is $136,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $161,700.00 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 is a contract pilot?

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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,581 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Senior Bid and Project Controller

Thales

Irvine, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago

Posted today


Thales rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Location: Irvine, United States of AmericaThales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Senior Bid & Project Controller

Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Bid & Project Controller (Financial Analyst) to act as a Finance Business Partner for small, large & critical programs, as well as new bids to support the Finance, Bid & Program Management, Sales and Executive Teams in a variety of tasks.

In this position, you will also be responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, project tracking, bid & proposal finance, financial engineering, completing periodic reports and general program tasks as identified by Thales Leadership.

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Responsible for program reviews: planning, tracking, analysis, and reporting on projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk. Build scenario analysis to explain the financial impacts whenever requested; Highlight / manage program risks and opportunities in conjunction with Program Managers; Partner with all levels of the Programs Department and Bid Finance to ensure robust financials and operational governance from project set up through to project delivery.
  • Supporting Sales and Bid Management by making financial assessments on new opportunities and qualifying the return on investment through scenario analysis; Supporting the Thales bid gate 0-3 process to ensure that all financial processes are adhered to and validated in accordance with documented procedures of Thales Group.
  • Deliver program financials within contractual baselines: full scope of programs captured and risks/opportunities are identified; Prepare program financial baselines - Initial budget, validate changes and maintain updated business plans over the life of each program with appropriate tracking of assumptions and related variances analysis.
  • Forecasting for all monthly and multi-year budgets (MYB) to include revenue and gross margin for all programs in his/her project portfolio; Ensure all costs against programs and departments are properly recorded, reconciled and analyzed.
  • Coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Accounts Receivable to ensure that all the components of revenue are accounted for in accordance with the contractual terms : billing, credit, rebate; Evaluate and assess program contingencies and program efficiency metrics, reviewing trends and providing forward looking analysis.
  • Accountable for ensuring all program financials are consistent with all internal policies & procedures; Support internal and external auditors' reviews and ensures that full documentation and account reconciliations, including but not limited to, program estimates at completion, are provided in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting with 5+ years of relevant accounting, or finance related experience or a Master's degree in Finance or Accounting with 4+ years of relevant accounting or finance related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Financial analysis and financial modeling experience, budgeting, forecasting, and planning required.
  • Prior experience working with Bids and/or Program finance, prior experience with principles of revenue and cost recognition and deferral, and financial statements, Prior experience on risk assessment, risk management and mitigation for P&L and Balance Sheet required.
  • Financial Systems (i.e. SAP, Primavera or similar) experience, strong computer skills (Microsoft Office), including advanced Microsoft Excel and Access knowledge and experience required.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to fast-paced environment with changing priorities; Ability to work autonomously as a lead and provide sound financial advice to Program Management & Bid Management.
  • Excellent judgment, planning and organizational skills; Analytical rigor and detail orientation with strong time management skills; Ability to receive general instructions on critical business requirements and to prioritize on key deadlines.
  • Uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but receives additional specific instructions from Team Leader for new, difficult, or special projects/assignments.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

  • Schedule: Core Business Hours, Monday-Friday.
  • Physical Environment: Typical office environment.
  • Travel: Travel is not currently anticipated, but if needed is expected to be less than 5% annually.
  • Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.

Why Join Us?

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AR1

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.


If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.


The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between


Total Target Cash (TTC) 85,191.75 - 150,562.00 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including - but not limited to - the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.


(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:


Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program


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