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Research Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trelleborg

Development Chemist

Mason City, IA · On-site

Lead the full lifecycle of compound development--from initial concept and formulation through pilot ... R&D Mixing Lab Leadership * Establish, equip, and operate an R&D mixing laboratory to support ...

Trelleborg

Development Chemist

Mason City, IA · On-site

Lead the full lifecycle of compound development-from initial concept and formulation through pilot ... R&D Mixing Lab Leadership * Establish, equip, and operate an R&D mixing laboratory to support ...

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Research Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$11

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$34

How much do research pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for research pilot in Iowa is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research pilot?

A Research Pilot operates aircraft to support experimental testing, scientific studies, or technology development. They often work with engineers and researchers to conduct flight tests, evaluate new aviation systems, and gather critical data. Their role requires extensive flight experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to unique flight conditions. Research Pilots may fly prototype aircraft, test new navigation or safety systems, or assist with atmospheric and environmental studies.

What are some typical projects or missions a research pilot might be involved in?

Research Pilots frequently support projects such as testing new aircraft designs, evaluating avionics systems, conducting atmospheric research, or developing flight safety protocols. Their missions may include flying prototype aircraft, gathering critical flight data, or working closely with engineers to troubleshoot and refine systems. These roles often involve both standard and experimental flight operations, requiring close adherence to safety guidelines and dynamic problem-solving. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, Research Pilots play a vital role in advancing aviation technology and ensuring research objectives are achieved safely and efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Research Pilot, you need an in-depth understanding of aviation principles, advanced piloting skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science or a related field, along with a commercial or airline transport pilot license. Proficiency with specialized flight data recording systems, research instrumentation, and simulation tools is often required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong communication, and adaptability are vital soft skills for managing unique test scenarios and working alongside engineers and scientists. These competencies ensure safe, precise data collection and effective teamwork in high-stakes research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Research Pilot jobs in Iowa?

For Research Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Pilot jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Pilot jobs in Iowa are:

Research Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Pilot job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,414 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

IT Director, Emerging Technologies

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa is seeking an IT Director of Emerging Technologies to help shape how our university explores, evaluates, and adopts the technologies that are changing how we work, teach, learn, and conduct research.

This is a role for someone who is excited about what's next, while equally interested in determining what's actually useful, sustainable, and ready to scale. You'll keep a pulse of rapidly evolving technologies, identify opportunities worth exploring, and turn promising ideas into structure pilots with clear goals and measures of success. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a significant part of that work, but this role is ultimately about building an institutional approach to emerging technology that encourages experimentation while considering scalability, reliability, risk, cost, user needs, and long-term value.

As Director, you will lead a small team focused on emerging technology and work closely with faculty, researchers, administrative leaders, IT professionals, and university leadership. You'll seek out innovative work already happening across campus, connect people tackling similar challenges, and help turn isolated experimentation into shared learning and broader opportunities.

Key Job Duties (not all inclusive):

  • Advance and help influence the University's roadmap for AI and emerging technologies.

  • Identify promising technologies and use cases, and then lead structured pilots to evaluate their potential.

  • Establish success measures and use evidence to recommend whether initiatives should scale, evolve, or stop.

  • Translate fast-moving technology trends into practical recommendations and strategic guidance for University leadership.

  • Partner across academic, research, administrative, and IT units to understand needs, share learning, and reduce duplicative effort.

  • Lead and develop a team focused on emerging technology while building partnerships with peers in higher education, industry, and other related fields.

We are looking for a leader who combines curiosity with strategy; someone willing to experiment, comfortable operating in areas where the answers are not yet obvious, and able to distinguish an interesting technology from an investment that can deliver meaningful institutional value.

There is an expectation that the individual in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University's commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

ITS values work life balance and strives to provide flexible work options where possible. This position is eligible for on-site or hybrid work arrangements within the state of Iowa, and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

For a detailed job description, please email Melanie Bell at melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the position, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

  • Experience (typically 7 years or more) leading technology-driven projects, including strategic planning and aligning projects/initiatives with organizational priorities.

  • Experience successfully managing a team, including a demonstrated ability to mentor and guide team members toward achieving collective and individual goals.

  • Experience with organizational change management and experience in rapidly changing environments; the ability to communicate and pivot direction with the change.

  • Knowledge of a variety of artificial intelligence tools used for different purposes, and the ability to discern which of those tools and technologies are best suited for different specific use cases.

  • Experience with data analysis and metrics tracking, with an ability to identify and report project outcomes.

  • Experience and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement and relationship building, with the ability to integrate a wide variety of perspectives and priorities into a cohesive direction.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.

  • Keen interest in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance educational and operational outcomes.

  • Commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience evaluating, piloting, or implementing emerging technologies, including AI, in a complex organization.

  • Experience assessing new technologies for scalability, risk, sustainability, cost, and/or organizational value, and making recommendations regarding broader adoption.

  • Experience developing or contributing to an organizational strategy, roadmap, governance model, or framework for AI or other emerging technology.

  • Experience working in higher education, research, or other highly complex, decentralized organization.

Application Details:

In order to be considered, applicants must upload the following materials and mark them as "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

Information Technology Services will be hiring for one level listed within this requisition, depending on the qualifications of the successful finalist. 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions or additional information, please contact melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: IT Director
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 6B
Contact Information
  • Organization: Information Technology Services
  • Contact Name: Melanie Bell
  • Contact Email: Melanie-Bell@uiowa.edu

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