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Special Missions Aviator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Aircraft

Flight Instructor

Bend, OR · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Your main tasks will consist of flight training, corporate missions, post-maintenance flights, and ... Special projects and assignments as requested WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM * Bachelor's Degree or ...

CAE, Inc.

Field Engineer Shift Lead

Fort Novosel, AL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Supervises the use of various test equipment, such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, special ... aviator training. Generates performance evaluations of subordinate personnel assigned to his or her ...

Caeus

Field Engineer Shift Lead

Fort Novosel, AL

Supervises the use of various test equipment, such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, special ... aviator training. Generates performance evaluations of subordinate personnel assigned to his or her ...

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Special Missions Aviator information

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$68K

$111.5K

How much do special missions aviator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for special missions aviator in the United States is $67,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical team dynamics and collaboration requirements for a special missions aviator?

As a Special Missions Aviator, you will work closely with pilots, loadmasters, and other aircrew members to ensure mission success. Collaboration is crucial, as you are responsible for both operating and maintaining complex aircraft systems while also assisting with cargo, personnel, and equipment management. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, especially during high-stress situations or time-sensitive missions. You can expect a fast-paced, structured environment where adaptability and mutual trust among team members are key to overcoming challenges and completing assignments safely.

Is it hard to be a special missions aviator?

Being a special missions aviator is a challenging role that requires extensive training, physical fitness, and specialized skills such as navigation, communication, and mission planning. Candidates often need a strong aviation background, security clearances, and the ability to operate in high-stress environments, making it a demanding but rewarding career path.

What is the difference between Special Missions Aviator vs Combat Pilot?

AspectSpecial Missions AviatorCombat Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot license, specialized trainingMilitary pilot license, combat flight training
Work EnvironmentMilitary aircraft, specialized missionsCombat zones, military aircraft
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense industryMilitary branches, defense industry

Special Missions Aviators focus on specialized, often covert, military operations requiring advanced skills and certifications. Combat Pilots primarily engage in combat missions in hostile environments. While both roles require military pilot licenses and training, Special Missions Aviators emphasize specialized missions beyond combat, such as reconnaissance or rescue, whereas Combat Pilots focus on direct combat engagement.

How do you become a special missions aviator?

To become a special missions aviator, candidates typically need to meet military flight training requirements, including completing basic training, earning a pilot's license, and gaining experience as a military pilot. Additional specialized training in reconnaissance, surveillance, or combat missions is often required, along with security clearances and physical fitness standards.

What is a special missions aviator?

Special Missions Aviators are enlisted aircrew members in the U.S. Air Force who operate and manage aircraft systems on missions involving search and rescue, special operations, and other critical tasks. They are responsible for everything from loading and offloading cargo, airdrop operations, and operating defensive systems to assisting with in-flight refueling or search and rescue equipment. Their training covers a wide range of technical skills and mission-specific tactics, making them vital for completing complex and high-risk assignments. Special Missions Aviators must be adaptable, physically fit, and ready to deploy globally at a moment's notice.

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

To thrive as a Special Missions Aviator, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by military technical training. Familiarity with aircraft systems, navigation tools, and mission-specific equipment such as hoists and sensors is essential. Exceptional teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure mission success, crew safety, and the effective execution of specialized aerial operations.
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Special Missions Aviator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Missions Aviator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,955 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

CV-22 Academic/Simulator Instructor Special Mission Aviator

Aviation Training Consulting LLC

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM • On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The CV-22 Academic/Simulator Instructor Special Mission Aviator (SMA) will provide formal aircrew academic and simulator training to officer and enlisted initial qualification, requalification, instructor upgrade, and key staff students to conduct combat search and rescue missions utilizing NVG low level flight, helicopter aerial refueling operations, alternate insertion and extraction methods, emergency procedures training, systems instruction, and tactical operations. Provide academic and simulator refresher training to qualified officer and enlisted CV-22 aircrew members. Assist in the development of and ensuring the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process is correctly applied to all CV-22 courseware. Selected candidate will become a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) certified instructor. Perform other duties as directed by the management team.
Essential Functions of the Position:
  • Provide academic and simulator refresher training to qualified officers and enlisted CV-22 aircrew members.
  • Assist in the development of and ensuring the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process is correctly applied to all CV-22 courseware.
  • Perform other duties as directed by the management team.

Requirements
  • Current as a Special Mission Aviator in the CV-22 within the previous two years; or within the previous 8 years if the candidate has performed 8 years of military operational flying duty at the time of hire with at least two years or 200 hours experience as in in-flight instructor in the CV-22.
  • Minimum of an Associate's Degree from a regionally-accredited college.
  • 1,000+ hours in the CV-22.
  • 100+ hours of Night Vision Goggle time.
  • 300+ hours of instructor time.
  • Selected candidate must be able to obtain a minimum of an active SECRET clearance and will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information and Communications Security (COMSEC) material.

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