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Safety Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

... safety, efficiency and readiness. * CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security ... Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other ...

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

... safety, efficiency and readiness. * CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security ... Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other ...

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All JobsSafety Pilot JobsSafety Pilot Jobs in Washington

Safety Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$167.6K

How much do safety pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for safety pilot in Washington is $166,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $165,900.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a safety pilot?

A Safety Pilot is a licensed pilot who assists the flying pilot during specific operations, typically when the flying pilot is practicing under simulated instrument conditions. The Safety Pilot ensures that the aircraft remains clear of traffic and obstacles while the flying pilot focuses on instrument procedures. This role is commonly required when a pilot is logging instrument flight time without actual instrument conditions. The Safety Pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft being flown.

What are the typical responsibilities of a safety pilot during a flight?

As a Safety Pilot, your main responsibility is to monitor the aircraft’s environment and flight path when the primary pilot is 'under the hood' or practicing instrument maneuvers, ensuring safety during simulated instrument conditions. You must maintain visual separation from other air traffic, communicate clearly with both the pilot and air traffic control, and be ready to assume control of the aircraft if necessary. This role often involves working collaboratively with flight instructors, students, or other professional pilots, providing an extra layer of safety and compliance. The Safety Pilot position offers valuable experience in flight deck teamwork and can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced pilot roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the safety pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Safety Pilot, you need a valid commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with current medical clearance, strong situational awareness, and excellent aviation knowledge. Proficiency with flight control systems, navigation instruments, and aviation communication tools is important, along with adherence to FAA regulations. Dependability, quick decision-making, and clear communication are essential soft skills, as Safety Pilots often collaborate closely with other flight crew members. These abilities ensure safe and compliant flight operations, especially during training, check rides, or when primary pilots are occupied with instrument practice.

Can you get paid to be a safety pilot?

Yes, safety pilots are typically paid for their role in assisting with flight operations, especially during training or when acting as a qualified observer. Compensation varies depending on the employer, location, and specific duties, and safety pilots often need relevant certifications such as a private pilot license or higher. They may work on a schedule that includes flight hours, and safety is a key focus in their responsibilities.

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

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

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

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

Safety Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Safety Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,223 per year, or $79.9 per hour.

UAS Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 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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