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Freelance Military Contractor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the ... military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support ...

... military, contractor, and industry personnel. Roles & Responsibilities: * Operate Group 1-2 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight ...

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J ... government, military, contractor, and industry personnel. You will contribute to the planning ...

$95K - $143K/yr

... military, contractor, and industry personnel. Roles & Responsibilities: * Operate Group 1-2 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight ...

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J ... government, military, contractor, and industry personnel. You will contribute to the planning ...

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Work collaboratively with other military personnel and contractors to achieve mission success ... Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner.FAA Class II medical rating.FAA Commercial and Instrument ...

Work collaboratively with other military personnel and contractors to achieve mission success ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Work collaboratively with other military personnel and contractors to achieve mission success ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Work collaboratively with other military personnel and contractors to achieve mission success ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

Work collaboratively with other military personnel and contractors to achieve mission success ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

ATS is looking for a Chief Pilot to work in Albuquerque, NM. The Rotary Wing Chief Pilot is a ... Minimum 3 years supervisory experience leading military or contractor flight operations. Extensive ...

All pilots shall be IFR rated and shall hold a Commercial, Single-Engine pilot certificate Military ... PAY TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate ...

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Freelance Military Contractor Pilot information

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How much do freelance military contractor pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance military contractor pilot in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance military contractor pilots when transitioning between different assignments?

Freelance military contractor pilots often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new aircraft types, mission protocols, and team dynamics as they move between contracts or clients. Each assignment may require familiarity with different operational standards, security requirements, and geographic environments, demanding flexibility and a commitment to continuous learning. Building rapport with new teams and maintaining up-to-date certifications are also crucial for success and safety in this dynamic role.

What are freelance military contractor pilots?

Freelance military contractor pilots are experienced aviators hired by private defense contractors to perform specialized flying tasks for military or government clients. Unlike full-time military personnel, these pilots work on a contractual basis and may operate a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, or drones, often for training, logistics, or support missions. Their duties can range from providing flight training to military personnel, participating in simulated combat exercises, or transporting equipment and personnel. Freelance contractor pilots are typically required to have significant prior military flight experience and must maintain high safety and operational standards. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, but it also demands adaptability and the ability to work in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Military Contractor Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, a military or commercial pilot license, and specialized training in tactical operations. Proficiency with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and familiarity with military-grade aircraft and simulators are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and effective collaboration in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Freelance Military Contractor Pilot vs Private Military Contractor Pilot?

AspectFreelance Military Contractor PilotPrivate Military Contractor Pilot
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, military flight experienceCommercial pilot license, military or specialized aviation training
Work EnvironmentContracted flights for military or government clients, often in remote or conflict zonesSecurity-sensitive environments, often in support of private military operations
Employer & IndustryIndependent contractors working with military or government agenciesPrivate military companies providing security and aviation services

Both roles involve piloting aircraft in high-risk environments, often supporting military or security operations. The main difference lies in employment status and client base: Freelance Military Contractor Pilots operate independently or as contractors for military projects, while Private Military Contractor Pilots are typically employed by private security firms. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals choose the right career path in military aviation.

More about Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Military Contractor Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Military Contractor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Military Contractor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Military Contractor Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.
KC-130 Pilot

$155K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

KC-130 Pilot

KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE ZERO (VX-30) at NAS Point Mugu, CA. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of Test Aircrew support for NAVAIR.As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the VX-30 environment composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • This position serves as a pilot for C/KC-130 aircraft, supporting flight test, aerial refueling, logistics, and post-maintenance check flights as an Aircraft Commander across legacy C-130 platforms.
  • Directs aircraft operations planning, scheduling, execution, and reporting in support of collateral tasks within the customer flight program.
  • Once qualified, perform duties as an instructor for all applicable K/C-130 mission sets, including aerial refueling, logistics, and post maintenance check flying.
  • Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract.
  • Note: This is a full-time position, but highly qualified part-time applicants may be considered.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years of Test Project Officer experience in military test and evaluation.
  • Minimum of 1,000 pilot hours in the C-130 aircraft and have been designated as an Aircraft Commander in the C-130. Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms.
  • Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II medical certificate. Navy Aeromedical Standard Service Group 1 may be substituted. Must be FAA or Military instrument flight rule certified and have at least an FAA Commercial Pilot's License with Multi-Engine Land rating.
  • Must meet current CNAF 3710.7 series physical and physiological minimums for C-130 T/M/S aircrew positions.
  • Individuals must be able to pass the physical and training qualification requirements to provide contract aircrew support, including completion of survival and aviation physiology training.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Must have a current DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Contract requires US Citizenship. Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree. Engineering related masters preferred.
  • A minimum of 1,500 flight hours as Pilot-in-Command
  • 2 years direct experience in test and evaluation of fixed-wing aircraft
  • A graduate of one of the following test pilot schools: USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER Test Pilot School

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week. This is a full-time position, but highly qualified part-time applicants may be considered.

Compensation: $155,000-$225,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. #LI-KW1

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998