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Pilot Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S. President of Operations About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S. President of Operations About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S. President of Operations About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the ...

PSA Airlines

Pilot Cadet Program

Arlington, VA

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

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All JobsPilot JobsPilot Jobs in Washington, DC

Pilot information

See Washington, DC salary details

$55.9K

$147.7K

$226.8K

How much do pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in Washington, DC is $147,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,800.00 and $174,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do pilots do?

Pilots operate aircraft, flying people and cargo all over the world. Their job duties vary, depending on their industry. They conduct pre-flight checks to ensure the plane is in good order, coordinate with air traffic control, and assess and adjust flight paths as needed. Commercial plots update passengers on commercial flights or transport products on cargo flights. Some may even perform specialized duties, such as crop dusting in the farming industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, situational awareness, and a valid commercial pilot’s license with appropriate ratings. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation equipment, and aviation safety protocols is essential, often supported by certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Exceptional communication, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges pilots face during irregular flight schedules, and how can they manage them?

Pilots often contend with irregular flight schedules, including overnight flights and frequent time zone changes, which can impact sleep patterns and overall well-being. Managing fatigue is crucial, so most airlines provide guidance on rest requirements and encourage pilots to prioritize sleep and healthy habits. Building resilience to schedule changes, maintaining good communication with scheduling teams, and leveraging support from colleagues can help pilots adapt more smoothly to these challenges.

What is the difference between Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

AspectPilotFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCabin Crew Certification, First Aid & Safety Training
Work EnvironmentFlight decks, cockpit, cockpit crewPassenger cabin, galley, airport terminals
Industry UsageAirlines, cargo carriers, private aviationCommercial airlines, charter services
Job FocusOperating aircraft, navigation, safetyPassenger safety, service, comfort

While pilots are responsible for flying and navigating aircraft, flight attendants focus on passenger safety and comfort. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but require different certifications and work environments. Pilots typically hold advanced licenses and operate from the cockpit, whereas flight attendants work in the passenger cabin ensuring a positive travel experience.

Is there a demand for pilots now?

The demand for pilots remains strong due to ongoing growth in commercial aviation, cargo transport, and private flying. Airlines and other operators are actively hiring pilots with current certifications and experience, especially as travel resumes post-pandemic and fleet expansions continue.

What types of jobs can you get as a pilot?

Pilots can work in various roles including airline transport pilots, commercial pilots, cargo pilots, charter pilots, corporate pilots, and flight instructors. These jobs involve operating different types of aircraft, often requiring specific certifications such as a commercial pilot license or airline transport pilot certificate, and may involve varying schedules and environments.
More about Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot jobs in Washington, DC?

For Pilot jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot jobs in Washington, DC are:

Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,719 per year, or $71 per hour.

UAS Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

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