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Senior Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

KBR

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J Integrated Test Team supporting Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20) at the Naval Air ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

KBR, Inc.

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Senior E-130J Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J Integrated Test Team supporting Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20) at the Naval Air ...

CEI Services

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

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Humanoid Robot Pilot

San Jose, CA · On-site

$32/hr

It's a strong entry point into robotics: high-performing Pilots have opportunities to grow into Senior Pilots and other lead positions as they become available. This role requires flexibility to work ...

Figure

Humanoid Robot Pilot

San Jose, CA · On-site

$32/hr

It's a strong entry point into robotics: high-performing Pilots have opportunities to grow into Senior Pilots and other lead positions as they become available. This role requires flexibility to work ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

CEI Services

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

MasTec Inc

Commercial UAS Pilot

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Partner with UAS Management or Sr Pilot to secure necessary permits and approvals for surveying operations * Maintain an up-to-date Part 107 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with recurrent ...

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All JobsPilot JobsSenior Pilot Jobs

Senior Pilot information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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 is a senior pilot?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

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 in Melbourne, FL.

The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership team. The CTP will support the design, development, and certification of the aircraft and air system. The CTP will work closely with other Integrated Product Teams, the Chief Engineer, as well as systems engineers including Safety, Airworthiness, and Human Factors teams to validate and verify aircraft design and performance. The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the flight test program
  • 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
  • Chair the pilot working group
  • Provide flight experienced leadership in critical program phases and reviews, such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FRR, and TRR
  • Provide direction to engineers on design definition, simulator flights, test planning, test card writing, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting, and proposal preparation
  • Ensure effective test pilot training, FTE training, MCR training and ensuring proficiency of staff
  • Perform initial flights on prototypes and test articles for new clean sheet air vehicles
  • Plan, develop, and perform flight tests to verify air worthiness, performance capabilities, and mission effectiveness using various simulators, surrogate aircraft, test-bed aircraft, and the program air vehicle.
  • Partner closely with the Directors of Test and Safety to ensure that the test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations
  • Collaborate with Service test pilots as well as Integrated Test Team personnel
  • Develop standards and protocols and ensure lessons learned are communicated with appropriate teams
  • Develop and manage the test vehicle pilot handbook and eventual NATOPS manual

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Science and 14 years of experience or a Master's Degree in Science and 12 years of experience or a PhD and 10 years of experience for Senior Staff level position
  • Military Test Pilot School graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilots School, or EPNER
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and hold an FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)
  • Must have previous experience as a test pilot in a developmental test program
  • Must have aircraft carrier pilot experience (>150 arrested landings)
  • Must have strong leadership and communication skills with relevant flight test leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Weapons School graduate
  • Must have 5th Generation fighter flight hours
  • Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Land FAA Commercial pilot license
  • 737 Type Certification
  • Knowledge and experience with risk management and mitigation
  • Previous experience leading a military or corporate test organization
  • Master's degree in a related STEM field

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $201,400.00 - $302,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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