Serve as Government Flight Representative responsible for surveillance of all contractor flight and ... Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 * Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Serve as Government Flight Representative responsible for surveillance of all contractor flight and ... Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 * Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Serve as Government Flight Representative responsible for surveillance of all contractor flight and ... Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 * Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Serve as Government Flight Representative responsible for surveillance of all contractor flight and ... Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 * Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Flight Mechanic II - Crew Chief
$29.25 - $38.50/hr
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
New
Flight Mechanic II - Crew Chief
$29.25 - $38.50/hr
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
New
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$70 - $75/hr
Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not ...
MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$70 - $75/hr
Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not ...
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
UAV PILOT II-III
Hollywood, MD · On-site
SECRET This position may be filled as a full-time employee or 1099 Contractor depending on business ... Military flight experience is highly desirable. * Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. * Private ...
Quick apply
UAV PILOT II-III
Hollywood, MD · On-site
SECRET This position may be filled as a full-time employee or 1099 Contractor depending on business ... Military flight experience is highly desirable. * Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. * Private ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
Perform in-flight duties and assist the pilots, consistent with established Service or FAA ... Must pass a contractor or military evaluation initially and annually thereafter. * Must maintain ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor ...
Freelance Military Contractor Pilot information
See salary details
$9.38 - $14.79
1% of jobs
$16.15 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.79 - $20.21
96% of jobs
$20.21 - $25.63
2% of jobs
$25.63 - $31.05
0% of jobs
$31.05 - $36.47
1% of jobs
$36.47 - $41.89
0% of jobs
$41.89 - $47.31
0% of jobs
$47.31 - $52.73
0% of jobs
$52.73 - $58.15
0% of jobs
$58.15 - $63.57
0% of jobs
$63.57 - $68.99
0% of jobs
$9
$22
$68
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?
| Aspect | Freelance Military Contractor Pilot | Private Military Contractor Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Commercial pilot license, military flight experience | Commercial pilot license, military or specialized aviation training |
| Work Environment | Contracted flights for military or government clients, often in remote or conflict zones | Security-sensitive environments, often in support of private military operations |
| Employer & Industry | Independent contractors working with military or government agencies | Private 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
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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:
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The top searched job categories for Freelance Military Contractor Pilot jobs are:
Job description
Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety, security, and reliability programs for high consequence operations. SPG delivers industry-leading, innovative, and value-added services such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention to help our clients understand and mitigate mission risks spanning physical, cyber, and human domains.
SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position combines hands-on fabrication with pilot-in-command responsibility. You will build, maintain and repair fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft, and operate them in support of flight tests, training, and data collection events for our government and commercial customers. You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as you demonstrate proficiency.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
Flight Operations:
Build, Fabrication, and Integration:
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Pilot Qualifications:
Build and Fabrication Qualifications:
General
Desired Qualifications:
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety, security, and reliability programs for high consequence operations. SPG delivers industry-leading, innovative, and value-added services such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention to help our clients understand and mitigate mission risks spanning physical, cyber, and human domains.
SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position combines hands-on fabrication with pilot-in-command responsibility. You will build, maintain and repair fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft, and operate them in support of flight tests, training, and data collection events for our government and commercial customers. You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as you demonstrate proficiency.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
Flight Operations:
- Maintain full control and responsibility for the safety, efficiency, and operation of remote-control UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Provide fabrication, maintenance, service, and repair of fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
- Manage data collection activities related to aircraft telemetry and imagery.
- Plan and execute autonomous and manual missions, including pre-flight risk assessment, airspace deconfliction, crew briefing, and post-mission debrief and data handoff.
- Maintain appropriate flight logs and pilot certifications to remain a certified FAA Small UAS pilot operator (14 CFR part 107).
- Build government customer relationships in support of the mission.
Build, Fabrication, and Integration:
- Manually build and assemble Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 fixed-wing and multirotor Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) from engineering drawings, wiring schematics, bills of material, and written work instructions.
- Troubleshoot, inspect, and repair aircraft following hard landings and mishaps, including root-cause inspection of structures, wiring, connectors, and flight logs.
- Provide government customer support and assist in monitoring the fabrication, maintenance, servicing, and repair of UAS.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and foreign-object-debris (FOD) free work area.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Pilot Qualifications:
- A minimum of 300 logged hours operating remote-control aircraft or commercial/military aircraft.
- Three (3) years of experience in remote-control fixed-wing and multirotor UAS piloting, UAS fabrication, maintenance, and repair.
- Demonstrated ability to pilot aircraft via:
- Line of Sight (LOS)
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
- First Person View (FPV) using a Remote Pilot Station
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
- Expertise flying Autonomous Missions using the following:
- ArduPilot with Pixhawk
- Mission Planner
- RFD Tools
- Cube-Based Autopilot
- Must be able to work outdoors in all environmental conditions.
Build and Fabrication Qualifications:
- Two (2) years of hands-on experience in the fabrication, assembly, repair, and maintenance of fixed-wing and multirotor remote-control aircraft or UAS. Equivalent experience will be considered, including:
- Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience;
- Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical assembly experience;
- Completion of an accredited UAS, aviation maintenance, or electronics technical program;
- A verifiable portfolio of scratch-built or kit-built remote-control aircraft.
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, wiring schematics, bills of material, and written work instructions.
- Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment (calipers, torque drivers, multimeters).
- Careful workmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to adhere closely to and execute written instructions.
- Ability to lift over 35 pounds.
General
- Work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ, Monday through Friday or as required by a contract. Be willing to travel for other contracts to include potential international travel (current passport required).
- U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.
- High School Diploma or GED.
Desired Qualifications:
- 600 or more logged hours operating remote-control aircraft or commercial/military aircraft.
- Four (4) or more years of relevant UAS piloting, fabrication, and data capture experience.
- Experience operating Group 2 and Group 3 UAS.
- AMA Turbine Waiver.
- Ability to meet the personnel qualification, training, and currency requirements of the FAA's potentially forthcoming Part 108 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) framework, if issued.
- Experience operating under FAA waivers and Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs), including public aircraft operations and BVLOS waivers under 14 CFR 107.31.
- Experience supporting flight operations on a government test range.
- Experience with post-mission data capture.
- Associate's or higher college degree, or a technical certificate in aviation maintenance, UAS technology, or electronics.
- Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 firmware configuration, parameter tuning, and flight log review.
- Active DoD Security Clearance.
- Experience building or maintaining Group 2 and Group 3 UAS, including handling and fixturing of large airframes.
About Systems Planning & Analysis
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Alexandria, VA, US
Year founded
1972