RC Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and ... Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using ...
Quick apply
RC Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and ... Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using ...
Operations Manager - IAD
Dulles, VA · On-site
... flight operations, facility requirements and customer service; Perform station audits, provide ... Director on investigations of any security issues, accident reviews and be a part of the review and ...
Operations Manager - IAD
Dulles, VA · On-site
... flight operations, facility requirements and customer service; Perform station audits, provide ... Director on investigations of any security issues, accident reviews and be a part of the review and ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Riva, MD · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Riva, MD · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Severn, MD · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Severn, MD · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Vienna, VA · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Vienna, VA · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Oakton, VA · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Naval Flight Officer and Pilot
Oakton, VA · On-site
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Director Flight Operations information
See Washington, DC salary details
$38.5K - $53.5K
4% of jobs
$53.5K - $68.5K
8% of jobs
$68.5K - $83.5K
11% of jobs
$85.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$83.5K - $98.4K
12% of jobs
$98.4K - $113.4K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $115.5K / yr.
$113.4K - $128.4K
12% of jobs
$128.4K - $143.4K
13% of jobs
$147.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$143.4K - $158.4K
9% of jobs
$158.4K - $173.3K
9% of jobs
$173.3K - $188.3K
5% of jobs
$188.3K - $203.3K
3% of jobs
$38.5K
$122K
$203.3K
How much do director flight operations jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight operations in Washington, DC is $121,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a director flight operations?
A Director of Flight Operations is responsible for overseeing an airline or aviation company's flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, operational efficiency, and company policies. They manage pilot scheduling, flight planning, and coordination with regulatory authorities like the FAA or EASA. Additionally, they work closely with maintenance, safety, and dispatch teams to ensure smooth flight operations. Their role is critical in maintaining high safety standards, optimizing costs, and ensuring on-time performance.
What are some typical challenges a director flight operations faces in their day-to-day work?
Directors of Flight Operations often navigate complex logistical challenges, such as adapting flight schedules due to weather disruptions, maintenance issues, or crew availability. They must also ensure ongoing compliance with evolving aviation regulations while maintaining optimal safety and efficiency standards. Successfully leading a diverse team of pilots, dispatchers, and ground support staff requires balancing operational demands with strategic planning. Overcoming these challenges involves strong decision-making skills, effective communication, and the ability to respond quickly under pressure, making the role both dynamic and rewarding.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director flight operations position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Director Flight Operations, you need deep knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, safety management systems, and significant leadership experience, often supported by a commercial pilot's license or equivalent operational background. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling tools, and compliance documentation systems is essential. Outstanding organizational, communication, and crisis management skills are crucial for coordinating teams and maintaining operational efficiency. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of flight activities in a highly regulated environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC?
The most popular types of Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC?
For Director Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC look for?
The top searched job categories for Director Flight Operations jobs in Washington, DC are:
Job description
Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.
Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.
The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.
This role will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.
When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
- Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
- Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
- Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
- Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
- Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
- Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
- Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
- Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
- Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
- Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
- Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
- Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.
Qualification Requirements
- 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
- Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
- Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
- Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
- Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
- Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
- Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
- Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
- Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
- Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
- Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.
Skill Requirements
- Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
- Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
- Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
- Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
- Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
- Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.
Physical Requirements
- Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
- Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
- Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
- The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.
Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.
About Ideal Aerosmith
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Grand Forks, ND, US
Year founded
1938