MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$200.58/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ‑9A aircraft and provide safe operation ... Government organizations and the Original Equipment Manufacturer for UAS integration. * Perform ...
MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$200.58/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ‑9A aircraft and provide safe operation ... Government organizations and the Original Equipment Manufacturer for UAS integration. * Perform ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...
Be Seen First
UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... S. Government Security Clearance. * Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Quick apply
Be Seen First
UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... S. Government Security Clearance. * Excellent communication and organizational skills.
MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$78.11/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment ...
MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$78.11/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment ...
MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$78.11/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment ...
MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$78.11/hr
The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment ...
Maintenance Test Pilot UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter - Project Manager
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$89K - $111K/yr
The Maintenance Test Pilot will perform maintenance test flights, functional check flights ... government representatives, and flight operations personnel to ensure assigned aircraft are ...
Maintenance Test Pilot UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter - Project Manager
Yuma, AZ · On-site
$89K - $111K/yr
The Maintenance Test Pilot will perform maintenance test flights, functional check flights ... government representatives, and flight operations personnel to ensure assigned aircraft are ...
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
$90 - $130/hr
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
$90 - $130/hr
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Pilot - Deployed
Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site
Serve as Pilot-In-Command, supporting daily flight operations. * Comply with flight procedures ... Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures. Required Skills:
Government Pilot information
See Arizona salary details
$46.1K - $59K
10% of jobs
$59K - $71.8K
7% of jobs
$71.8K - $84.6K
3% of jobs
$94.3K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$84.6K - $97.5K
6% of jobs
$97.5K - $110.3K
7% of jobs
$110.3K - $123.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $131.2K / yr.
$123.1K - $136K
17% of jobs
$143.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$136K - $148.8K
33% of jobs
$148.8K - $161.6K
5% of jobs
$161.6K - $174.5K
3% of jobs
$174.5K - $187.3K
2% of jobs
$46.1K
$122K
$187.3K
How much do government pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for government pilot in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a government pilot?
A Government Pilot operates aircraft for federal, state, or local government agencies, performing missions such as law enforcement, surveillance, transport, firefighting, and search-and-rescue. They may work for agencies like the FAA, U.S. Forest Service, or military branches. Responsibilities include flight planning, ensuring aircraft safety, and complying with aviation regulations. Government Pilots typically need a commercial pilot’s license, flight experience, and may require additional certifications based on the agency’s needs.
What types of missions or assignments can a government pilot expect to perform?
Government Pilots typically undertake a wide variety of assignments, which may include aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, law enforcement support, firefighting, disaster response, or transportation of officials and equipment. The exact nature of missions depends on the agency, such as law enforcement, public safety, or environmental monitoring. These roles often involve working alongside ground crews, technical specialists, and other pilots in coordinated efforts. Pilots must be prepared for irregular hours, on-call duties, and adapting to rapidly changing conditions to carry out crucial public service missions. This dynamic work environment provides a sense of purpose and varied day-to-day experiences for those seeking meaningful aviation careers.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government pilot, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Government Pilot, you need advanced flight proficiency, a commercial pilot's license, and in many cases, specific government or military flight certifications. Mastery of navigation systems, radio communications, and government-operated aircraft—such as helicopters or fixed-wing planes—is required. Excellent decision-making, adaptability, and teamwork skills are vital for responding to dynamic situations and collaborating with diverse personnel. These competencies ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective performance under the unique demands of public sector aviation.
How much does a government pilot make?
Government pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. They often require commercial pilot certifications and may work irregular hours or on specialized aircraft.
What are government pilot jobs?
Government pilot jobs involve operating aircraft for government agencies, such as transportation departments, law enforcement, or emergency services. These roles typically require a commercial pilot license, relevant certifications, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Pilots in these positions may work on scheduled flights, search and rescue missions, or specialized transportation tasks.
What are popular job titles related to Government Pilot jobs in Arizona?
For Government Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Government Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?
The top searched job categories for Government Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Government Pilot jobs?
Cities in Arizona with the most Government Pilot job openings:
UAS Pilot
Yuma, AZ • On-site
Systems Planning and Analysis •
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees1,001 - 5,000 employees
Full-time
Re-posted 16 days ago
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