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Graduate Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... graduate, USAF adversary qualification USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate TPS graduate DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification Mission Commander qualification Military or Civilian Flight Examiner ...

... WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification • USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate • TPS graduate • DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification • Mission Commander qualification • Military or ...

Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC) * Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience * U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN ...

Graduate of a US DOD formal Rotary Wing Instructor Pilot training program (preferred). * Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs.

Graduate of a US DOD formal Rotary Wing Instructor Pilot training program (preferred). * Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs.

$120 - $170/hr

USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification * USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate * TPS graduate * DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or Civilian ...

Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. * Minimum 3,000 total flight hours. * Minimum 1,000 Pilot ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training * At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours ...

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training * At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours ...

C-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Education: BS Degree or graduate of Test Pilot School (USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER). * Years of Experience: At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years ...

Full course test pilot school graduate or equivalent training and experience. * Minimum of 250+ hours, or 30 test sorties, of actual developmental and/or experimental flight test time documented.

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training * At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours ...

$140 - $200/hr

TPS graduate * DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification * NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor * FAA CFI(I) Certificate * Familiarization with DoD ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training * At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours ...

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Graduate Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do graduate pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate pilot?

A Graduate Pilot job is an entry-level position designed for newly qualified pilots to gain professional flying experience. It typically involves structured training programs with mentorship, simulator sessions, and operational flying duties. These roles are commonly offered by airlines, military services, or training academies to help pilots transition from training to full-time aviation careers. Successful candidates will build flight hours, refine their skills, and progress toward more advanced roles, such as First Officer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate pilot?

To excel as a Graduate Pilot, you need a solid foundation in aviation theory, practical flight training, and typically a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation equipment, and simulator training is routinely required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and excellent communication skills distinguish exceptional candidates. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and coordinated operation of flights in a demanding and dynamic environment.

What does the typical training and mentorship process look like for a graduate pilot?

Graduate Pilots usually participate in structured airline training programs that combine classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and supervised flight operations. During this period, you’ll be paired with experienced training captains and mentors who provide guidance, regular feedback, and assessments to help you transition safely to operational duties. You can expect to continually develop technical skills and crew resource management techniques while working closely with flight crews and support staff. This training phase is designed to build your confidence, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress toward becoming a First Officer or Captain.

How much do new graduate pilots make?

New graduate pilots typically start with a salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the airline, location, and type of aircraft. Entry-level pilots often need to accumulate flight hours and certifications before earning higher wages, with pay increasing as they gain experience and seniority.

What cities are hiring for Graduate Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Graduate Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Graduate Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Textron rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Who We Are

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SKILLBRIDGE OPPORTUNITY AND ONLY TRANSITIONING MILITARY MEMBERS WHO ARE WITHIN 180 DAYS OF SEPERATING FROM THE MILITARY ARE ELIGIBLE.
Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. 

This role is in Textron System’s Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!
About ATAC
Textron Systems - ATAC provides tactical flight training and Adversary, Red Air and Aggressor services to the U.S. Navy, Marines and the US Air Force.  ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites spanning the CONUS, Hawaii and the Pacific. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to 4th and 5th Generation aircrew in Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups conducting unit level continuation training, pre-deployment spin-up training, large force employment training, or aircrew conversion training.  ATAC was the first civilian organization to support the USAF’s F-22 Raptors as well as the USN’s and USMC’s F-35 Lightning IIs.
Job Summary
Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker Hunter, or the AERO Vodochody L-39 Albatros, in regular support of US Navy, Marine Corps, and US Air Force training and readiness missions.  Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions.  Support surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions.  
Navy Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC’s four permanent facilities (Newport News Virginia, Pt Mugu NAS California, Fallon NAS California, Kaneohe Bay MCAS Hawaii), or deployed locations. Deploy as required to locations including but not limited to Key West NAS, Fallon NAS, Beaufort MCAS, Jacksonville NAS, Lemoore NAS, Eglin AFB, Charleston Intl Airport, Jacksonville Intl Airport, Cherry Point MCAS, and various USAF, USN, USMC bases throughout Alaska, Guam, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
Air Force Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC’s permanent facilities (Eglin AFB, Luke AFB, Alliance FTW) or deployed locations. Deploy as required to various locations.
Job Responsibilities
•    Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. 
•    Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second Class medical certification, adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.  
•    Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings and other pre-flight briefings.  Plan and fly adversary missions.  Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings.
•    Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions.  
•    Collect and disseminate lessons learned.  
•    Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.  
•    Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
•    Additional Duties: Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards & Evaluation, Safety, or other Program Management duties as required.  

Minimum Qualifications 
   Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot
   Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead 
   700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft
   100 hours PIC at night
   Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months
   Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
   FAA Commercial, Airplane Single Engine Land Privileges
   Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen

Specific Navy Contract Qualifications
   1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft
   500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft

Specific Air Force Contract Qualifications
   1200 hours total PIC of a tactical military aircraft
   Current in a tactical fighter aircraft within the last 5 years

Desired Qualifications 
   USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification
   USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate
   TPS graduate
   DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification
   Mission Commander qualification
   Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification
   Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification
   NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor 
   FAA CFI(I) Certificate
   Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry
   FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types)
   DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate
   Squadron Command experience
   Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie)
   Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)

How We Care
At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!
 - Flexible Work Schedules
 - Education Assistance
 - Career Development & Training Opportunities
 - Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
 - Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
 - Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?
Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country.  We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.  


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About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923