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Military Contractor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or ... Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or ... Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor ...

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers a full spectrum of aviation training ... Instructor Pilot experience with at least 250 military IP flight hours and/or 2 years of IP ...

NextEra Energy

Pilot - Captain

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Military flight time commensurate with experience. * Fixed wing ATP (Required) and Helicopter ... with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. NextEra Energy does not accept any ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or ... Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor ...

NextEra Energy

Pilot - Captain

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Military flight time commensurate with experience. * Fixed wing ATP (Required) and Helicopter ... with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. NextEra Energy does not accept any ...

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers a full spectrum of aviation training ... Instructor Pilot experience with at least 250 military IP flight hours and/or 2 years of IP ...

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Military Contractor Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do military contractor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for military contractor 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 types of aircraft do Military Contractor Pilots typically operate, and what is a typical work environment like?

Military Contractor Pilots often fly a variety of aircraft, including fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and specialized unmanned aerial vehicles, depending on contract requirements and mission objectives. The work environment is highly structured and safety-focused, with operations frequently conducted on or near military installations both domestically and overseas. Pilots work closely with military personnel, contractors, and support teams to coordinate missions, adhere to strict protocols, and ensure operational success. The role may also involve variable schedules, deployments, and extended hours based on mission needs. This collaborative and dynamic setting offers valuable experience and unique professional challenges that can support career advancement within the defense contracting industry.

What is a Military Contractor Pilot job?

A Military Contractor Pilot is a civilian pilot who operates aircraft in support of military missions under a government or private defense contract. They may perform roles such as training military pilots, providing air reconnaissance, transporting personnel and supplies, or even operating drones. These pilots often have prior military aviation experience and must meet strict qualifications and security requirements. Their work can involve deployments to conflict zones or overseas locations, depending on the contract.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Military Contractor Pilot position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Military Contractor Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, in-depth understanding of military aviation protocols, and appropriate licensure such as a commercial or military pilot certificate. Familiarity with advanced avionics, mission planning software, and military-grade aircraft systems is crucial. Strong decision-making skills, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure are key soft skills. These competencies ensure safe mission execution, effective teamwork, and adherence to strict operational standards in challenging environments.

More about Military Contractor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Military Contractor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most 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:
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What job categories do people searching Military Contractor Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Contractor Pilot jobs are:
Military Contractor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Contractor Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II

MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II

Albers Aerospace

Yuma, AZ • On-site

$70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Our core competencies include systems engineering, program management, logistics, production support, aircraft maintenance, and aviation/aerospace services. We were founded in 2015 and since our establishment, we have been attracting the best talent in our fields of interest enabling us to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to our warfighters. We understand and provide expert consultation on weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs. We know defense and we know aircraft systems.
Albers Aerospace is seeking a candidate for a Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot to support USMC aviation operations. This job is in Yuma, Arizona and the candidate must reside/relocate or deploy to Yuma, AZ.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe Launch and Recovery operations of aircraft.
  • Participate in all phases of flight to include planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
  • Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Provides expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft. Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
  • Plans and performs a wide range of in-process analog, digital, microwave, optical and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
  • Technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS.
  • This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment manufacturer.
  • Ultimately, technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing the risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground any more than the integration of comparable new and novel technologies

Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Required Qualifications:
  • Qualified C-Band Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot or previously qualified Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot (Form 8 within last 3 years)
  • Must have at least 200 hours as MQ-9 Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
  • Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent
  • Must have the ability to travel in CONUS
  • Maintaining a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required
  • Prior DoD pilot training, specifically the USAF's Undergraduate Pilot Training, or USA, USN, USMC, or USCG equivalent fixed wing training program
  • Bachelor Degree (maybe substituted for experience)

or
  • Initial Formal Training Upgrade (IFTU) training in the MQ-9 via the 18X pipeline or the following FAA certificate/rating: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating
  • For non-military pilots, copies of: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Instructor/Evaluator Pilot experience
  • 500 MQ-9 flight hours
  • Last flight within 180 days

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to lift 40 pounds and carry without assistance

Reasonable Accommodations
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What We Offer:
Teammates at Albers Aerospace receive a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision plans, matching 401k, 10 days of PTO the first year and 15 after that, 11 holidays, employer paid term life, AD&D, long and short-term disability, and education and certification reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

The pay range for this role is:
70 - 70 USD per hour (Global Deployer- YUMA)

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