You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
You will work as an individual contributor and as part of a team, with increasing independence as ... Military or contractor UAS maintenance experience; * Aviation, avionics, or electro-mechanical ...
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
$79K - $107K/yr
Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail ... Influences and guides internal and external stakeholders, such as operations, contractors, and ...
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
$79K - $107K/yr
Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail ... Influences and guides internal and external stakeholders, such as operations, contractors, and ...
Facilities Support II
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation ... Liaises with contractors on-site and works with the City of Phoenix for all job permitting. Key ...
Facilities Support II
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation ... Liaises with contractors on-site and works with the City of Phoenix for all job permitting. Key ...
The Contractor shall utilize a range of principles and methodologies to provide examination ... Independently manage complex neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders by providing neuromuscular ...
Quick apply
The Contractor shall utilize a range of principles and methodologies to provide examination ... Independently manage complex neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders by providing neuromuscular ...
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Tucson, AZ · On-site +1
You will be responsible for performing contracted onsite and remote services for clients. Clinisys ... Ability to work independently and effectively manage projects and priorities from start to finish
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You will be responsible for performing contracted onsite and remote services for clients. Clinisys ... Ability to work independently and effectively manage projects and priorities from start to finish
You'll often work independently but also collaborate with crews, pilots, CAD staff, and clients. We ... Ability to communicate clearly with superintendents, contractors, clients, and project teams
Quick apply
You'll often work independently but also collaborate with crews, pilots, CAD staff, and clients. We ... Ability to communicate clearly with superintendents, contractors, clients, and project teams
You'll often work independently but also collaborate with crews, pilots, CAD staff, and clients. We ... Ability to communicate clearly with superintendents, contractors, clients, and project teams
Quick apply
You'll often work independently but also collaborate with crews, pilots, CAD staff, and clients. We ... Ability to communicate clearly with superintendents, contractors, clients, and project teams
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Mesa, AZ · On-site
The position supports the development of future airline pilots through instruction focused on ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. * Proficiency with ...
JAL Ground Instructor
Mesa, AZ · On-site
The position supports the development of future airline pilots through instruction focused on ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. * Proficiency with ...
JAL Ground Instructor
Mesa, AZ · On-site
The position supports the development of future airline pilots through instruction focused on ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. * Proficiency with ...
JAL Ground Instructor
Mesa, AZ · On-site
The position supports the development of future airline pilots through instruction focused on ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. * Proficiency with ...
Independent Contractor 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 independent contractor pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor 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 an independent contractor pilot?
An Independent Contractor Pilot is a professional aviator who operates aircraft on a contract basis rather than as a direct employee of an airline or company. These pilots are typically hired for specific flights, short-term assignments, or ongoing freelance work. They may fly private jets, charter planes, cargo aircraft, or corporate flights, depending on their qualifications and experience. Independent Contractor Pilots must manage their own schedules, maintain necessary certifications, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor pilot?
To thrive as an Independent Contractor Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, extensive flight experience, and strong knowledge of aviation regulations. Proficiency with navigation systems, flight planning software, and safety management systems is typically required, along with up-to-date certifications such as an FAA medical certificate. Outstanding situational awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients and aviation professionals are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and client-focused operations in a dynamic and self-directed professional environment.
What are some of the unique challenges faced by independent contractor pilots compared to full-time airline pilots?
Independent Contractor Pilots often manage their own schedules, contracts, and travel logistics, which can require significant self-organization and flexibility. Unlike airline pilots with set routes and support teams, contractor pilots may fly a variety of aircraft for different clients, adapting quickly to new procedures and work environments. They are also responsible for maintaining their own credentials, insurance, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. This autonomy provides greater freedom but also requires a proactive approach to time management, professional networking, and personal safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Arizona?
The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Pilot jobs in Arizona?
For Independent Contractor Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?
The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Independent Contractor Pilot jobs?
Cities in Arizona with the most Independent Contractor 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