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Senior Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for ...

Wells Enterprise

Pilot - Senior Captain

Le Mars, IA · On-site

The Senior Captain (Pilot) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of company aircraft in a Part 91 corporate flight environment. This role serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC ...

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Staff Pilot Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located ...

Cooper Marine

Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews adherence to company policies, rules, regulations and culture * Coordinating with shoreside management and the Coast Guard on ...

The Cooper Group, Inc.

Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews adherence to company policies, rules, regulations and culture * Coordinating with shoreside management and the Coast Guard on ...

Cooper Marine

Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews adherence to company policies, rules, regulations and culture * Coordinating with shoreside management and the Coast Guard on ...

The Cooper Group

Pilot

Mobile, AL

The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews adherence to company policies, rules, regulations and culture * Coordinating with shoreside management and the Coast Guard on ...

Cooper Marine

Pilot

Mobile, AL

The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews adherence to company policies, rules, regulations and culture * Coordinating with shoreside management and the Coast Guard on ...

Boeing

Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Test and Evaluation is searching for an Experimental Test Pilot to take the role of Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot and join ...

Boeing

Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Test and Evaluation is searching for an Experimental Test Pilot to take the role of Senior T-7A Experimental Test Pilot and join ...

ArcBest

Pilot, Captain I

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

This position often represents a recent upgrade from First Officer II and includes additional oversight from senior Captains. Responsibilities * Operate as Pilot-in-Command or Second-in-Command on ...

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Senior Pilot information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pilot in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Pilots when managing multi-crew operations?

Senior Pilots often oversee multi-crew flight operations, which require excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. Coordinating with co-pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff while maintaining safety standards can present complexities, especially during irregular operations or in high-stress situations. Senior Pilots are also responsible for mentoring junior crew members and ensuring adherence to evolving regulations, which adds additional layers to their day-to-day responsibilities. Successfully managing these aspects is key to ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient flights.

What are Senior Pilots?

Senior Pilots are highly experienced aviators who typically hold advanced certifications and have accumulated thousands of flight hours. They often serve as captains on commercial, cargo, or military flights and may be responsible for supervising other pilots. In addition to flying aircraft, Senior Pilots play a significant role in training, mentoring junior pilots, and ensuring flight operations adhere to safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for handling complex flight situations and making important decisions during flights.

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

To thrive as a Senior Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), extensive flight experience, and deep knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and aircraft type ratings is typically required. Leadership, situational awareness, and decisive communication are crucial soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for safely operating complex aircraft, handling emergencies, and maintaining high standards in commercial aviation.

What is the difference between Senior Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectSenior PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, additional seniority and experienceCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific to commercial flying
Work EnvironmentOften in leadership roles, overseeing flight operationsFlying for hire, transporting passengers or cargo
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, corporate flight departmentsCharter companies, cargo carriers, tour operators

While both Senior Pilots and Commercial Pilots hold commercial licenses, Senior Pilots typically have more experience and may take on leadership roles within flight operations. Commercial Pilots focus on flying for hire, often with less seniority. The main difference lies in experience level and responsibilities, with Senior Pilots often supervising or mentoring less experienced pilots.

What cities are hiring for Senior Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Senior Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Pilot jobs include:
Senior Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Sr. Test Pilot

Sr. Test Pilot

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
As a Senior Test Pilot for Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems development. You should possess extensive experience in developmental flight test, and sound judgment to plan and accomplish program goals safely and effectively. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command (PIC) and Second in Command (SIC); supporting ground tests as Test Conductor, Test Director, or Flight Test Engineer; preparing system test plans and flight test cards; participating in engineering design reviews, simulator evaluations, technical and safety reviews, and flight briefings; drafting flight manual and operational guidance and documenting test results. Ability to perform as control room mission director / designated safety official for part 450 FAA licensed commerical space missions. As a key member of the Flight Operations team, you will have an essential role in meeting all Flight Operations objectives. You will be challenged with bringing a unique and complex aircraft from early development to operational use and proving capabilities for high-speed vehicle launch.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as PIC/SIC for the experimental transport category carrier aircraft to include the B747-400, as well as other aircraft to be used for chase and training missions.
  • Write flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in system design and design reviews
  • Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and components
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as test crew member or Test Conductor
  • Participate in control room operations as Mission Director or training officer, as required
  • Author and/or update Pilot Operating Handbook and related guidance, to include development of normal and emergency procedures
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types, to include maintaining instrument currency.
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, high stress environments

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Pilot graduate of a full course test pilot school (SETP-recognized), or possess equivalent experience in developmental flight test programs
  • Minimum 1,200 hours total PIC flight time, to include at least 500 hours in turbine aircraft
  • Three years of test pilot experience on developmental flight test programs
  • FAA Commercial Airplane Multi-Engine Land pilot certificate, without a centerline thrust restriction.
  • FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design
  • Be independent and motivated; able to self-direct and manage time effectively
  • Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Be knowledgeable of Federal Aviation Regulations for experimental aircraft certification and operations
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • United States Citizenship - ability to acquire/maintain a US security clearance

HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • FAA Airline Transport Rating (ATP), or additional FAA type ratings and experience in multi-engine, non-centerline thrust aircraft
  • 747-400 type rating
  • Possess FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training
  • Recent experience in formation / chase.
  • Experience as a test pilot in heavy multi-engine turbine aircraft
  • Six years of relevant experience on developmental flight test programs
  • Experience with external stores carriage and separation flight tests
  • Master's Degree in engineering or related technical field
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls or autonomous aircraft development
  • Previous experience with experimental or modified aircraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control
  • Familiar with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures

Special remarks regarding work environment:
  • This position is located in Mojave, CA
  • Senior Level - $175,500-$230,500 / Up to 15% Annual bonus
  • Travel to CONUS or OCONUS test locations for extended test campaigns

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s):
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
  • Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees' and applicants' time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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