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Spirit Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Artesia, NM · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

Living and working in Artesia, NM means embracing the warm sunshine, friendly community spirit, and ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Moundsville, WV · On-site

$77K - $96K/yr

Moundsville, WV, is a town rich in history and community spirit. Nestled along the Ohio River, its ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Martinsville, VA · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

Martinsville is where community spirit and Southern charm meet opportunity and adventure! Benefits ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Media, PA · On-site

$89K - $111K/yr

Living in Media, PA is special for its vibrant community spirit and quaint charm. Known as ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Stillwater, OK · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

Stillwater, Oklahoma delivers the perfect mix of high-energy college-town spirit and wide-open ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

With its rich Native American and military history, Fort Mohave captures the spirit of the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Kearney, NE · On-site

$3.0K/wk

Kearney, Nebraska, is a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit that sets it ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

With its blend of scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and a strong community spirit, San Bernardino ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Clinton, IA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

... spirit of eastern Iowa. Benefits Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind: * Health, Dental and Vision * Competitive ...

Helicopter Pilot

Quartzsite, AZ · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

... spirit, and a vibrant lifestyle. Nestled in the captivating Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite offers ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Its strong Midwestern spirit, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, makes Green Bay a place where ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Location Bakersfield, California is known for its deep roots in American music, hardworking spirit ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

With its blend of scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and a strong community spirit, San Bernardino ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

New

With its rich Native American and military history, Fort Mohave captures the spirit of the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

New

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Spirit Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do spirit pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for spirit pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Spirit Pilot?

Spirit Pilots are commercial airline pilots who operate aircraft for Spirit Airlines, a major ultra-low-cost carrier based in the United States. They are responsible for safely flying passengers and cargo to various destinations according to strict safety and regulatory standards. In addition to flying the aircraft, Spirit Pilots must conduct pre-flight checks, communicate with air traffic control, and manage any in-flight issues that arise. Becoming a Spirit Pilot typically requires an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, significant flight experience, and meeting specific hiring requirements set by the airline. Spirit Pilots play a crucial role in ensuring the overall safety and efficiency of Spirit Airlines' operations.

What are some of the unique challenges Spirit pilots face when operating in a high-utilization, low-cost carrier environment?

Spirit Pilots often navigate a fast-paced schedule with frequent turnarounds and high passenger volumes, which can present unique operational and time-management challenges. Working in a low-cost carrier environment means maximizing efficiency and adhering to tight schedules, while still prioritizing safety and customer service. Pilots also collaborate closely with ground crews and flight attendants to ensure quick, safe departures and arrivals. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential for handling irregular operations or unexpected delays.

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

To thrive as a Spirit Pilot, you need an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, thousands of flight hours, and strong proficiency in aviation safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and specific aircraft types like the Airbus A320 family is crucial, often supported by type ratings and recurrent simulator training. Excellent decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills set pilots apart in high-pressure and dynamic environments. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and reliable flight operations, which are essential for passenger safety and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Spirit Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectSpirit PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), specific airline certificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), additional ratings for specific aircraft or operations
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, regional carriersCharter flights, aerial work, cargo, passenger transport
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, regional carriers, flight training schoolsPrivate companies, cargo carriers, aerial survey companies

Spirit Pilots typically operate within airline and regional carrier environments, requiring specific certifications and working under airline regulations. Commercial Pilots have broader roles, including aerial work and cargo, often with similar licensing but different operational scopes. Both roles demand strong flying skills and certifications, but their work settings and responsibilities differ.

More about Spirit Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Spirit Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Spirit Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Spirit Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spirit Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Spirit Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Saint Augustine, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Test Pilot to join the team of qualified individuals on our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located onsite in St. Augustine, FL with future temporary, 1-year assignment in Melbourne, FL.
In this role, the successful candidate will work as a highly motivated Test Pilot to support E-2D production acceptance flight tests and Foreign Military Sales. Candidate will be based in St Augustine, Florida and directly support the E-2D production line.
Acceptance flights include new production and modification program induction, verification, sell off and delivery. Occasional collateral duties include the support of E-2D Integrated Test Team in Patuxent River, MD and various E-2 programs at Melbourne, Florida campus. ITT test program support include Aerial Refueling testing, Hawkeye Cockpit Technical Refresh development, Delta System Software Configuration upgrade development testing, and future missions systems development programs. Candidate will support engineering, systems safety, product support, and the E-2 program with development of systems and vehicle test plans, procedures, and test cards. Candidate will also provide NATOPS manual inputs and conduct E-2 aircrew training. Candidate shall display professionalism, leadership, have a strong work ethic, work well with others, and be able to function with little to no direct supervision. Additionally, the candidate will be required to provide training and mentorship to other pilots and engineers on the test team. Domestic and international travel up to 50% required. Extended international travel possible.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain air vehicle acceptance procedures to include technical justification
  • Provide oversight for development of test plans / test cards to ensure safety and efficiency
  • Lead pre-flight briefs to efficiently coordinate complex air vehicle testing with large team of aircrew and engineers.
  • Lead post-flight debriefs to collect relevant test data and ensure lessons learned are captured for future testing
  • Execute missions as pilot in command during flight test missions
  • Coordinate group training events to encourage continued learning within the test team
  • Mentor Pilots and Flight Test Engineers
  • Incorporate "lessons learned" and process improvements to maintain / improve safety and efficiency within the team
  • Author pilot daily reports highlighting details of test missions
  • Manage NATOPS and aircrew training materials changes

We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience
  • Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
  • Must have current or former E-2D pilot NATOPS Qualification.
  • Must have at least 2,000 hours total time and 1,000 hours experience in E-2 or C-2.
  • Must be able to pass FAA Class II physical as a condition of employment.
  • Must have FAA commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument rating
  • Must have FAA Radio Operators permit
  • Must be willing and able to deploy on an extended domestic assignment for 12 months to the NG Melbourne, FL campus.
  • Must be willing and able to support travel up to 50% to include extended trips both domestic and international
  • Must be willing and able to support varying shifts, overtime, and holidays as needed to support business objectives
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hold or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
  • Internationally recognized Test Pilot School graduate or be able to obtain a NAVAIR Test Pilot School (TPS) waiver.
  • Experience working with foreign military personnel.
  • Aviation curriculum development experience.
  • Naval Aviation or USAF Safety Officer School graduate.
  • NATOPS model manager or experience.
  • Instructor pilot experience.
  • Carrier suitability, structural loads, engine/propeller test experience, and Aerial Refueling test experience desired.

Primary Level Salary Range: $185,000.00 - $277,400.00
The 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