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Freelance Military Contractor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers comprehensive flight and simulation training ... Instructor Pilot experience with minimum of 250 military IP Flight Hours and/or 2 yrs IP experience ...

As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers comprehensive flight and simulation training ... Instructor Pilot experience with minimum of 250 military IP Flight Hours and/or 2 yrs IP experience ...

Title C/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 ...

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

C/KC-130 Pilot page is loaded## C/KC-130 Pilotlocations: Point Mugu, Californiatime type: Full ... military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support ...

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 ...

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

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 ...

C-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

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

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 ...

$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 ...

$83 - $124/hr

Initiate and complete all military flight or maintenance forms to document FCF completion and ... All Contractor pilots shall undergo and successfully complete (initially and annually) a flight ...

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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 Aug 23, 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 is a freelance military contractor pilot?

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot

Leidos

Marana, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 495 rated business services


Job description

The Intelligence and Operations Solutions Division within the Airborne & Mission Solutions Business Area of Leidos is seeking a UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot supporting the Army National Guard (ARNG) Aviation Training Services and Operational Support (ATSOS) program in Marana, AZ. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your aviation expertise in direct support of the Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS) - one of the most respected training environments in the world.
As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers comprehensive flight and simulation training, classroom instruction, and schoolhouse support, including One Army School System (OASS) integration and Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) maintenance. In this position, you will play a critical role in preparing Army National Guard maintainers for the demanding operational environments they face.
Leidos is hiring in-flight instruction of AATS assigned UH-60 A/L aircraft and instructor qualification courses, readiness level progressions, regional and foreign military training. The selected Instructor Pilots will conduct associated Instructor Operator tasks and platform academic instruction in support of the AATS student training mission. Candidates will accomplish all training in accordance with AR 95-1, TRADOC Programs of Instruction (POI), UH-60 dATM and local AATS SOPs. All contractor Instructor Pilots will adhere to prescribed requirements IAW DCMA INST 8210-1D. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience supporting the ATSOS program.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Maintain training records on formal course students and in ATP records as required for unit, readiness level (RL) progression trainees.
  • Provide instruction and evaluation to student pilots IAW Training Support Packages for AATS approved courses of instruction.
  • Conduct daily academic instruction of approved POI (Aircraft Qualification Course, Instructor Pilot Course, Aircraft Standardization Course, Maintenance Test Pilot Course).
  • Facilitate pre-mission planning and after-action reviews for all flights and simulation periods conducted.
  • Complete all aircrew training program (ATP) requirements IAW DCMA INST 8210-1D, AR 95-1, and the applicable dATM. Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program.
  • Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned training requirements and schoolhouse accreditation as directed by AATS chains of command.
  • Responsible for compliance with appropriate Army, National Guard and AATS policies, procedures and regulations.
  • Coordinate with the GFR to ensure all contractors are qualified to perform aviation-training tasks IAW DCMA INST 8210.1D
  • Report Instructor Flight and Operation data in the Task Order Monthly Report.

Basic Qualifications
  • High School Diploma with 8 years' of applicable experience or Bachelors' Degree with 4 years' of experience.
  • Instructor Pilot experience with minimum of 250 military IP Flight Hours and/or 2 yrs IP experience at any USAACE approved or OASS accredited program. Flight time and operational experience, will be considered to meet experience stated above based on a records review by the GFR IAW DCMA INST 8210-1D.
  • USAACE/AATS (or equivalent Army approved NET) qualified IP in type aircraft for which duties will be performed.
  • Instructor Training Course (ITC) or ABIC qualified; or successfully graduate from a AATS provided ABIC course within 12 months of contractor employee start date.
  • FAA Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
  • FAA Second Class flight physical required. Army Contractor pilots have the option of maintaining either an annual FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or an Army Class 2 FDME (DCMA 8210.1D, para 4.3.5.1.2).
  • Experience as an SP, IE and/or IP in a OASS school, MTOE or TDA organization at the company and/or battalion level.
    • Instrument Flight Examiners (IE), Standardization Instructor Pilots (SP), Instructor Pilots (IP), and Maintenance Evaluators (ME) designations apply only to contractor pilots (Army) contracted for the sole purpose of conducting aircraft qualification training and administration of the Aircrew Training Program (ATP). Contractor pilots in these designated positions shall meet all Army initial aircraft qualifications and recurrent training requirements per AR 95-1 and the applicable aircraft Digital Aircrew Training Module (dATM) (DCMA 8210.1D, para 4.3.4.3).
  • Must meet instructor qualification requirements IAW TR 350-10, TR 350-70.
  • Contractors performing flight operations in the role of Rated Crewmember (Instructor Pilot, Instrument Flight Examiner, Standardization Instructor Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, Functional Check Pilot) or Non-Rated Crewmember (Flight Engineer Instructor, Flight Instructor, Crew Chief) shall adhere to minimum qualifications as prescribed by DCMA INST 8210.1D.
  • All contractor Rated Crewmembers and Non-Rated Crewmembers will receive ACT-E qualification and sustainment training IAW TC 3-04.11.
  • The contractor shall ensure that their employees have a favorable background investigation or hold a security clearance and access approvals commensurate with the level of information processed or available to them.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Products.
  • IP experience at EAATS, HAATS, WAATS or U.S. Army Aviation Training Center.
  • Desired USAACE qualified Instrument Flight Examiner (IFE).

AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 3, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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