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Pilot Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ensure early and effective contributions to air vehicle design, cockpit/crew station design and Pilot Vehicle Interface areas * Support the Chief Engineer on various design trades and analysis

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

Fully understand how to operate and safely drive your assigned pilot vehicle. * Read and follow state permits to safely escort CDL driver to destination. * May assist in securing load prior to ...

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

Fully understand how to operate and safely drive your assigned pilot vehicle. * Read and follow state permits to safely escort CDL driver to destination. * May assist in securing load prior to ...

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

Fully understand how to operate and safely drive your assigned pilot vehicle. * Read and follow state permits to safely escort CDL driver to destination. * May assist in securing load prior to ...

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Pilot Vehicle information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do pilot vehicle jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot vehicle 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 pilot vehicle?

Pilot vehicles, also known as escort vehicles, are specially designated cars or trucks that guide oversized or heavy loads on public roads. Their main role is to warn other motorists of the approaching wide or long load, help the load navigate safely through traffic, and ensure compliance with road safety regulations. Pilot vehicle operators also communicate with the truck driver, monitor road conditions, and may assist with traffic control during difficult maneuvers. These vehicles typically display warning signs, flashing lights, and sometimes carry communication equipment. The use of pilot vehicles helps prevent accidents and protects both the cargo and other road users.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Vehicle Operator, you generally need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS navigation systems, and sometimes specialized pilot car certification is often required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient escort of oversized loads, protecting both the transport crew and public road users.

What are some typical challenges faced by pilot vehicle drivers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Pilot vehicle drivers often encounter challenges such as communicating effectively with oversized load drivers, navigating unfamiliar routes, and ensuring safety in changing traffic conditions. Staying alert, maintaining constant communication via radio, and thoroughly planning routes ahead of time are essential practices. It's also important to stay up-to-date with local regulations and maintain patience, as routes and schedules can change unexpectedly. Being proactive and adaptable helps pilot vehicle drivers manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Pilot Vehicle vs Escort Vehicle?

AspectPilot VehicleEscort Vehicle
CertificationsMay require special permits and safety trainingOften requires similar permits and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-road, accompanying oversized or heavy loadsOn-road, guiding and protecting transport of large loads
Industry UsageCommon in transportation, logistics, and heavy haul industriesUsed interchangeably with Pilot Vehicle in many regions

Both Pilot Vehicle and Escort Vehicle roles involve guiding and protecting oversized loads on the road, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'Pilot Vehicle' is more common in certain regions and industries, especially in heavy haul transportation.

How much do you get paid to be a pilot vehicle?

Pilot vehicle operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort. Some positions may offer flat rates for specific projects or longer routes, and a valid driver's license and safety training are usually required.

How to get into being a pilot vehicle driver?

To become a pilot vehicle driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on the vehicle and load. Experience driving large or specialized vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are important, and some employers may require specific training or certifications related to escorting oversize loads.

Is a pilot vehicle driver a good job?

A pilot vehicle driver is responsible for escorting oversize loads on roads, requiring good driving skills, attention to safety, and often a commercial driver's license. The job can offer steady work and overtime opportunities but may involve long hours and travel in various weather conditions.
More about Pilot Vehicle jobs

What cities are hiring for Pilot Vehicle jobs?

Cities with the most Pilot Vehicle job openings:

What states have the most Pilot Vehicle jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pilot Vehicle jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pilot Vehicle job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Pilot Subject Matter Expert & Pilot Vehicle Interface Engineer

Fort Worth, TX • On-site


Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$148K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Standard Job Description
We are Lockheed Martin
You will be the Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) design engineer to serve in the Pilot Systems Engineering (PSE) group specializing in the F-16 program with opportunities to support 5th Generation and Advanced Development Programs (ADP).
What You Will Be Doing
As the Pilot Subject Matter Expert your responsibilities will include:
• Research and design of innovative PVI mechanizations and pilot / human engineering for tactical cockpits.
• Provide pilot SME support in the forms of participation in design review meetings, system test and flight test reviews, customer and program support regarding aircraft capabilities and PVI.
• Work with pilots, engineers, and simulation technicians to design, implement, evaluate, and document PVI mechanizations. This includes authoring and publishing Pilot's Guides and other contract deliverables describing the enhanced aircraft capabilities.
You will be expected to:
• Have a high-level knowledge of 4th Generation fighters, requiring an understanding of advanced fighter flying skills, mission systems, mission capabilities and gaps for potential growth, and basic concepts of employment in realistic combat environments.
• From initial design identification to requirements development to beyond product delivery, work closely with engineering system design, system architects, software development teams, system test, and flight operations/flight test (and more) to ensure pilot SME support for product optimization.
• Provide pilot SME guidance to aircraft simulations, Cockpit Review Teams (CRTs, or the like), Tech Order product support, and platform roadmap planning.
• Potentially flying back seat missions
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
This position is in Fort Worth, TX. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
aeroflightops
Tests production aircraft to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability. Pilots production aircraft during engineering and production acceptance. Pilots aircraft or acts as instructor pilot for training customer pilots and aircrew during syllabus training flights; may conduct classroom training of customer pilots and aircrew. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials, or other personnel aboard to exhibit aircraft performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Provides engineering and pilot input to training, customer support and marketing teams.
Basic Qualifications
• Experience flying the F-16.
• Demonstrated experience in aviation and technology such as technical degree or technology development/test experience.
• DoD Active Secret clearance.
Desired Skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively within a team.
• Weapons School, Instructor, or Standardization Evaluation pilot experience.
• DoD Top Secret security clearance.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912


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