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Contractual Second Officer Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Pilot/Operations Officer LOCATION: Redstone Arsenal, AL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE ... Must have/obtain and maintain an annual FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or an Army Class 2 ...

Overview Pilot/Operations Officer LOCATION: Redstone Arsenal, AL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE ... Must have/obtain and maintain an annual FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or an Army Class 2 ...

Pilot I

NV · On-site

Initially perform pilot duties as a Second in Command (Pilot 1, see below) in a King Air 350ER and ... Collaborate closely with the First Officer (co-pilot) and Cabin Crew to execute standard operating ...

KC-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years of Test Project Officer ... or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus ...

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Perform Test Project Officer duties, including development of test plans, test procedures, and ... or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus ...

MSP PILOT I-A

Saint Marys, MD · On-site

$101K - $142K/yr

Employees in this classification will act as the Second-in-Command (SIC) pilot of helicopters ... Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Piloting field of work ...

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Perform Test Project Officer duties, including development of test plans, test procedures, and ... or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus ...

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years of Test Project Officer ... or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus ...

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years of Test Project Officer ... or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus ...

MD · On-site

Employees in this classification will act as the Second-in-Command (SIC) pilot of helicopters ... Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Piloting field of work ...

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Contractual Second Officer Pilot information

See salary details

$19K

$77.3K

$113K

How much do contractual second officer pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual second officer pilot in the United States is $77,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractual second officer pilot?

A Contractual Second Officer Pilot is a licensed pilot employed on a contract basis, typically serving as the second-in-command or relief pilot on commercial flights. Their primary responsibilities include assisting the Captain and First Officer with flight operations, monitoring instruments, and handling communications with air traffic control. Contractual pilots are usually hired for a specific period or for certain routes, and may not receive the same benefits as full-time employees. This role is often an entry-level position for pilots looking to gain experience in commercial aviation.

What is the difference between Contractual Second Officer Pilot vs Contractual First Officer Pilot?

AspectContractual Second Officer PilotContractual First Officer Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second Class or ATPLATPL, more extensive flight hours
Work EnvironmentCabin crew, assisting senior pilots, short to medium flightsCaptain's role, flying larger aircraft, longer routes
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, cargo carriersAirlines, commercial aviation
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Contractual Second Officer Pilot typically holds a CPL or ATPL, assisting senior pilots in short to medium flights within commercial aviation. The Contractual First Officer Pilot is a more experienced role, often with an ATPL, responsible for flying larger aircraft and longer routes. The main differences lie in experience, certifications, and flight responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a contractual second officer pilot and how can they be managed?

As a Contractual Second Officer Pilot, one of the main challenges is adapting quickly to different airline procedures and aircraft types, since contracts may vary in duration and scope. Additionally, integrating into diverse flight crews on short notice can require strong communication and teamwork skills. Managing irregular schedules and frequent travel can also impact work-life balance. Staying organized, maintaining flexibility, and investing in continuous learning are key strategies for success in this dynamic role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractual second officer pilot?

To thrive as a Contractual Second Officer Pilot, you generally need a commercial pilot license, solid knowledge of aviation regulations, and experience with flight operations. Familiarity with aircraft-specific systems, flight management computers, and certifications such as an Instrument Rating are typically required. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and clear communication skills set standout pilots apart in dynamic flight environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and effective collaboration with the flight crew.
More about Contractual Second Officer Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contractual Second Officer Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contractual Second Officer Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Second Officer Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Second Officer Pilot jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Contractual Second Officer Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contractual Second Officer Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contractual Second Officer Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,308 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Pilot/Operations Officer

Astrion

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
Pilot/Operations Officer
LOCATION: Redstone Arsenal, AL
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Secret
TRAVEL: Up to 20%
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Project Pilot/Operations Officer for the Cargo-Fixed Wing Division of the U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. Astrion has worked extensively with the Redstone Test Center and the Aviation Flight Test Directorate where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality services tailored to the needs of its clients.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Must hold an FAA commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate.
  • Must be rated in the CH-47F aircraft and maintain an instrument rating in category.
  • Must have greater than 10 years of experience in Army aviation.
  • Must have/obtain and maintain an annual FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or an Army Class 2 flying duty medical examination.
  • Must meet the minimum flight time and qualification requirements for pilots in accordance with Army Regulation 95-20 under the section for Engineering Test, Check Flights, and all other flights.
  • Must have/obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Qualification as an Army Instructor Pilot and Instrument Flight Examiner in the CH-47F.
  • Subject matter expert for H-47 aircraft.
  • Qualification in the MH-47G.
  • Flight test experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform flight and ground testing and test support operations for developmental, qualification and/or operational testing of H-47 aircraft.
  • Provide technical expertise on H-47 aircraft.
  • Perform instructor pilot duties for government aircrew members in the AFTD aircrew training program.
  • Schedule aircraft and aircrew members for flight and ground events for the Cargo-Fixed Wing division.
  • Coordinate usage of assets at home station and at temporary duty locations.
  • Travel to support the Icing mission and other missions as needed.

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