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First Pilot Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC

$107K - $133K/yr

Prepare initial Manufacturing Manual for all new products prior to pilot trials or first commercial campaign. * Prepare initial bulk BOM for all new products within ERP system to ensure proper usage ...

... first attitude. * Assist with authoring scientific articles, as well as participating/presenting in national conferences. * Work alongside the Field Services team to support pilot operations

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Prepare initial Manufacturing Manual for all new products prior to pilot trials or first commercial campaign. * Prepare initial bulk BOM for all new products within ERP system to ensure proper usage ...

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Prepare initial Manufacturing Manual for all new products prior to pilot trials or first commercial campaign. * Prepare initial bulk BOM for all new products within ERP system to ensure proper usage ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

Pet Policy - Bring Your Best Friend DG Fleet welcomes your four-legged co-pilot. Drivers may bring ... Register your pet at your terminal and provide vaccination records prior to your first trip ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Pilot information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$48.1K

$127.3K

$195.4K

How much do first pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for first pilot in Raleigh, NC is $127,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to make $200,000 as a pilot?

First pilots typically earn lower initial salaries, often between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, but experienced commercial pilots can earn over $100,000 per year. Reaching a $200,000 income generally requires several years of experience, additional certifications, and flying for major airlines or private clients, which can take 5 to 10 years or more depending on career progression and opportunities.

What are some common challenges First Pilots face during long-haul flights, and how are these managed on the job?

First Pilots on long-haul flights often face challenges such as fatigue management, maintaining situational awareness over extended periods, and adapting to rapidly changing weather or air traffic conditions. These are managed through regulated rest periods, effective crew resource management, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with co-pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the flight. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help First Pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline pilots, especially captains flying long-haul international routes for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, including base salary, bonuses, and overtime. These roles typically require extensive flight hours, seniority, and advanced certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.

Is it hard to get your first job as a pilot?

Securing a first pilot job can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry and the requirement for relevant certifications such as a commercial pilot license and flight hours. Building experience through flight training, internships, or entry-level positions is often necessary before qualifying for more advanced roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set top pilots apart in the cockpit. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, efficient flight operations, and effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.

What are entry level pilot jobs?

Entry-level pilot jobs typically include positions such as flight instructor, charter pilot, or regional airline first officer. These roles often require a commercial pilot license, a minimum number of flight hours, and sometimes additional certifications or training. They serve as starting points for pilots to gain experience and advance to larger aircraft or airline roles.

What is the difference between First Pilot vs Co-Pilot?

AspectFirst PilotCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes critical decisions, oversees crewAssists the First Pilot, manages navigation and communication
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight command, safety, and decision-makingSupports the First Pilot, handles specific flight tasks

The First Pilot is the primary authority during flights, responsible for safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and supports the First Pilot in operating the aircraft. Both roles require similar certifications, but the First Pilot holds the lead position in flight operations.

What are First Pilots?

First Pilots, also known as captains, are the lead pilots responsible for commanding an aircraft during flights. They oversee all aspects of flight operations, including navigation, communication with air traffic control, and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. First Pilots have the highest authority on the aircraft and make critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They are required to have extensive flying experience, advanced training, and must hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Their leadership and expertise are essential for the safe and efficient operation of commercial and cargo flights.
What are popular job titles related to First Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC? For First Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for First Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for First Pilot jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most First Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various First Pilot job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,254 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Senior Mission Manager (Clearance Required)

Vannevar

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China-from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.
Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We're building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status-proving that disruption doesn't require an ego, and staying power doesn't mean standing still.
About the role
As a Senior Mission Manager, you will serve as a senior mission-facing leader responsible for driving program-based adoption of Vannevar Labs' technology within government program offices. You will work closely with PEOs, PMWs, and program managers to shape pilots, scope capabilities, and convert demonstrated mission value into funded programs. This is a highly autonomous role that requires deep mission credibility, strong technical intuition, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, early-stage program environments.
U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required. This position is required to be based in DC, North Carolina, or Tampa.
What you'll do
  • Lead engagements with program offices (PEOs, PMWs, PMOs, and equivalent organizations) to identify mission problems that Vannevar Labs' technology can solve.
  • Translate program needs into technical narratives, clearly explaining how our software and agent-based capabilities map to requirements, constraints, and outcomes.
  • Scope and shape program-based pilots, defining objectives, success criteria, timelines, and pathways to scale.
  • Pitch the technology with credibility, leveraging your mission and domain background to build trust with program managers and technical authorities.
  • Navigate programmatic realities, including requirements development, budgeting cycles, contracting pathways, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Partner closely with product managers and engineers to ensure mission context is accurately reflected in technical scope, tradeoffs, and delivery plans.
  • Convert successful pilots into sustained programs, helping program offices justify follow-on funding and broader adoption.
  • Represent Vannevar Labs within the program ecosystem as a mission-credible, technically fluent partner.

What we're looking for
  • 15-20+ years of experience in government or defense missions, typically as a retired O5/O6 or senior enlisted or civilian equivalent
  • Deep expertise in a specific mission or technical domain (e.g., cyber, information warfare, ISR, networks, operational intelligence, warfare systems/command and control).
  • Strong ability to scope, pitch, and sell technical solutions to senior government stakeholders - not just explain missions, but connect them to software capabilities.
  • Proven experience navigating programmatic realities, including budgets, requirements, authorities, timelines, and stakeholder dynamics.
  • Sufficient technical fluency to:
    • Understand modern software systems and agent-based approaches
    • Partner effectively with product and engineering teams
    • Translate complex concepts into clear, mission-relevant narratives
  • Demonstrated scrappiness and bias toward action - comfortable operating in ambiguity and pushing programs forward without perfect structure.
  • High enthusiasm for building something new and shaping how cutting-edge technology is adopted inside government.
  • Bonus of having acquisition, resource sponsor, or program manager experience.

What we value
  • Mission-first mindset with a focus on real operational outcomes.
  • Technical credibility paired with humility - able to learn quickly and ask the right questions.
  • Clarity and precision in communication, especially with senior leaders.
  • Ownership mentality - taking responsibility for moving programs from idea to execution.
  • Low ego, high trust, and comfort collaborating across product, engineering, and mission teams.

What we offer
Competitive Salary
The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.
Comprehensive Benefits
We're proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Remote friendly with WeWork access
  • Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year
  • 401(k) match
  • Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends
  • Salary top-up during military reserve duty
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.