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Contract Ship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE WORK We are seeking experienced fighter pilots to serve as Contract Instructor Pilots to ... Must have experience as a multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft. Experience with ...

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... contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level ... Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A ...

... contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level ... Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A ...

... contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level ... Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A ...

Contract Instructor Pilots will: * Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable ... multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft * Must be willing to support flexible work ...

... contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level ... Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A ...

... contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level ... Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A ...

Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to ... multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft § Must be willing to support flexible work ...

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Contract Ship Pilot information

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$72K

$185.6K

$247K

How much do contract ship pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract ship pilot in the United States is $185,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,500.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Ship Pilot vs Cargo Ship Captain?

AspectContract Ship PilotCargo Ship Captain
CredentialsMarine pilot license, specific port certificationsMerchant mariner credential, captain's license
Work EnvironmentPort and harbor areas, on ships during pilotageOpen sea, onboard cargo ships
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companiesShipping lines, freight companies

Contract Ship Pilots and Cargo Ship Captains both require maritime licenses and work within the shipping industry. However, Contract Ship Pilots specialize in navigating ships through port areas, while Cargo Ship Captains oversee the entire vessel operation at sea. Their roles differ mainly in scope and environment, but both are essential for maritime logistics.

How do you become a contract ship pilot?

To become a contract ship pilot, individuals typically need extensive maritime experience, often as a licensed mariner or captain, and must obtain specific pilot certifications for the ports or waterways where they intend to work. Gaining familiarity with local navigation, passing licensing exams, and building a reputation for safety and reliability are essential steps in securing contract pilot positions.

How much money do contract ship pilots make?

Contract ship pilots typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they pilot. Compensation often includes hourly rates, per-job fees, or a combination, and pilots may need specialized certifications and extensive maritime experience.
More about Contract Ship Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Ship Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Ship Pilot job openings:

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

The most popular types of Ship Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Ship Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Ship Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Ship Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,569 per year, or $89.2 per hour.

Contract Instructor Pilot

Lemoore, CA • On-site


Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Standard Job Description WHO WE ARE Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping the future of the industry. With a rich legacy of excellence and a commitment to delivering advanced capabilities to our customers, we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and engineering. WHAT WE'RE DOING At Lockheed Martin, we're revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world-class team of professionals. Our mission-driven approach and unwavering dedication to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver superior products and solutions to our customers around the world. THE WORK We are seeking an experienced fighter pilot to serve as a Pilot Instructor located at NAS Lemoore. Position will provide F-35 Instructor Pilot and Subject Matter Expert (SME) instruction, academic training utilizing Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and/or Interactive Courseware (ICW) and instruct flight procedures in the Pilot Training Devices executing to the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team at NAS Lemoore to fulfill F-35 training objectives. The successful candidate will implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed. The candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. An appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with the assignment, is required. The Contract Instructor Pilot will provide instruction using the Full Mission Simulators (FMS) or Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT). The instructor will operate Instructor Operating Stations (IOS) and will be a SME for all pilot training courseware updates. The Contract Instructor Pilot will assist in the preparation of schedules, maintain training records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student. The Contract Instructor Pilot will evaluate and monitor students' performance. This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot. This position is sign on bonus eligible WHO YOU ARE You are a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a passion for driving operational excellence and optimizing production processes. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are adept at managing complex projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Your strong analytical skills, coupled with your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across departments, make you an invaluable asset to our team. Basic Qualifications Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 5 years or be enrolled in Continuous Evaluation. Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access. Candidate must have a minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in 4th/5th generation multi-role fighter aircraft. Must have experience as a multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft. Experience with simulator devices and an understanding of fighter tactics, techniques, and procedures. Proven experience working in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from varied backgrounds. Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits, strong oral & written communication abilities, solid ability to organize, and a high desire to provide customer satisfaction. Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements. Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule. Former Instructor Pilot (IP) experience required. Candidate must have in-depth knowledge of forth and/or fifth generation aircraft systems, operational experience with advanced sensor systems such as Night Vision devices, EO/IR targeting systems, Helmet Mounted Cuing, and the latest air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons inventory. Candidate must have prior experience in delivering military pilot academics and simulator training and be familiar with current instructional techniques and delivery methods. Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required. Must be willing to travel CONUS and OCONUS for up to 89-day periods of time Desired Skills Flight experience in the F-35 is highly desired. Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft. Experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum. Familiarity with F-35 program requirements. F-35 system knowledge. F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience. Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program. Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft. Experience with advanced systems such as NVS, targeting pods, datalinks, Helmet Mounted Cueing, and the latest weapons inventory. Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC). Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience. Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC); Top Gun: Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) graduate. Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience. Experience with training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and electronic grade books. Current USAF/USN/USMC IP with multi-role fighter experience. Former Weapon School, Top Gun, or MAWTS graduate desired Pay Information $107.08 - $107.08 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. Additional specific benefits are dependent upon the business unit and the collective-bargaining agreement. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics. For (Washington state applicants only) Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912


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Benefits

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