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Contract Ship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

Marine Contracts: Conduct flight operations from ATAC'S permanent facilities at Cherry Point, NC ... Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead * 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed ...

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Marine Contracts: Conduct flight operations from ATAC'S permanent facilities at Cherry Point, NC ... Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead * 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed ...

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F-16 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Contractor personnel must be able to fly the simulator in the capacity of a 2 or 4-ship flight lead ... Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or ...

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F-15 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Contractor personnel must be able to fly the simulator in the capacity of a 2 or 4-ship flight lead ... Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or ...

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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 Jul 24, 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Contract Ship Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Ship Pilot jobs are:
Contract Ship Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Ship Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,569 per year, or $89.2 per hour.
Surface Ship Combat Systems SME mid-grade and senior

Surface Ship Combat Systems SME mid-grade and senior

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Role Overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Senior and Mid-Grade Combat Systems Subject Matter Expert with experience on U.S. Navy surface platforms to support the Navy Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT) for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) in San Diego, CA. RATT is a Type Commander (TYCOM) asset employed to provide timely direct support to ships, tailored to the ship's needs and requirements. RATT ship visits are intended to significantly enhance a ship's organic proficiency and capabilities for a discrete period of time as added capability to conduct training, and address material issues. RATT provides proficient subject matter experts to conduct Sailor centric deck-plate training, material review, program auditing, and naval readiness support to enhance overall proficiency and material readiness through recommendations to the ship and staff to enhance CNSP ship's readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea in support of the nation's strategic objectives.
An ideal candidate has extensive supervisory experience with Navy surface ship Combat Systems operations and maintenance processes on AEGIS and SSDS ships, including experience as Systems Test Officer, Combat Systems Maintenance Manager, and/or Combat Systems Officer of the Watch.
This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated for October 2026.
Typical Responsibilities. This position’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct ship training visits for the purpose of improving Sailor proficiency in the operation and maintenance of ships systems through targeted training and aiding ship's leadership in assessing material condition and readiness program efficacy.
  • Compile, curate, develop, and provide training resources (references and curriculum) for ship systems, required programs, technical watchstanding, installed equipment, and maintenance management for use in classroom and deckplate training for ship's force and RATT personnel.
  • Teach and reinforce sound shipboard operating principles and processes through leadership by example and deckplate training.
  • Conduct comprehensive material condition assessments for installed equipment, portable equipment, safety gear, ship systems, and ship structure.
  • Review and assess ship's preventive and corrective maintenance and operating processes and procedures for ship systems, installed equipment, and associated evolutions.
  • Advise ship's leadership regarding crew proficiency, material condition, maintenance practices, and required program efficacy.
Primary Work Location: Full time onsite in San Diego, CA.
Anticipated Travel:
  • This position involves up to 35% travel, including travel to overseas/OCONUS locations, in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
  • Common travel destinations include, but are not limited to: Everett, WA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; and Singapore.
Typical Physical Activity:
  • The ability to work in a variety of shipboard environments (e.g., navigate tight or confined spaces, ladders, hatches, in crew spaces and engineering spaces).
  • Must be physically able to climb up/down a pilot’s ladder to board/embark and debark a naval vessel underway at sea and stay onboard on a U.S. Naval vessel for days at a time.
  • Desk/computer work in an office environment and hands-on technical or instructor work in a waterfront/shipboard environment.
Typical Pay Range: The anticipated pay range for this position in the identified location(s) is $90,000– $ 110,000 per year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors, including education, qualifications, and experience.
SECRET Security Clearance Required: This position requires an active or interim Secret security clearance prior to hire. 
Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects related to Navy Combat Systems.
  • Supervisory combat systems experience with Navy surface ship Combat Systems maintenance processes.
  • Extensive experience in one or more of the following positions: Systems Test Officer (STO); Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM); Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW) on multiple AEGIS and SSDS ships.
  • Extensive experience in Navy Ship Combat Systems Operations on multiple ships (AEGIS and SSDS).
  • Maintenance/training staff experience (e.g., Immediate Superior In Charge (ISIC), Type Commander (TYCOM), or Afloat Training Group).
  • In-depth knowledge of Navy ship depot-level Combat Systems maintenance processes.
  • In-depth knowledge of the theory and workings of surface ship Combat Systems maintenance processes.
  • Undergraduate or associate's degree.
    • In lieu of an acceptable degree, seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in a management role may be considered.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (CRUDES Mid-Grade SME): 
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the technical aspects of the operations and maintenance of the AEGIS Combat Systems suite. Experience level should be comparable to that of an AEGIS Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM).
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience with AEGIS Combat Systems suite, Navy Sonar systems, VLS, CIWS, BMD and SPY radar systems.
  • Extensive experience with the technical aspects of the operations and maintenance of Navy network and communications systems, supporting systems, and interfaces with associated shipboard systems.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five years, with the operations and maintenance of Navy electronic warfare and countermeasures systems currently employed in the Fleet.
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the operations and maintenance of gunnery systems aboard a warship or military auxiliary.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (SSDS Mid-Grade SME): 
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the technical aspects of the operations and maintenance of the SSDS Combat Systems suite. Experience level should be comparable to that of an Electronics Material Officer (EMO) on ships with SSDS.
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the technical aspects of the operations and maintenance of Navy network and communications systems, supporting systems, and interfaces with associated shipboard systems.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five years, with the operations and maintenance of Navy electronic warfare and countermeasures systems currently employed in the Fleet. Experience shall include working with SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare Suite, SLQ-25 NIXIE Torpedo Decoy System, NULKA Active Missile Decoy System, and the Mk 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures Chaff (SRBOC) and Decoy Launching System.
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the operations and maintenance of gunnery systems aboard a warship or military auxiliary.
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the operations and maintenance of stand-alone missile systems aboard a warship.
Plus:
  • Proficient with common productivity software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments. 
  • Excellent personnel management, working group and team leadership skills as well as working alongside sailors and officers of varying experience and seniority.
  • Excellent communication skills to include briefing Commanding Officers and other mid-grade to senior leadership in person and in writing.
Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  
  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.