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Summer Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summer Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do summer pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer pilot in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer pilot?

A Summer Pilot job typically involves seasonal flying duties, often related to tourism, firefighting, surveying, or other temporary aviation needs. These pilots may operate charter flights, aerial tours, or assist in agricultural or emergency services during peak seasons. The role is usually short-term and may require specific certifications or experience depending on the type of aircraft and operations. Summer Pilots often work in regions with increased aviation activity during warmer months, such as coastal areas or national parks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer pilot?

To thrive as a Summer Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot's license, a strong understanding of aviation regulations, and solid flight experience. Proficiency with aircraft navigation systems, flight planning software, and communication tools is essential, along with holding required certifications such as an FAA medical certificate. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are necessary to ensure safe and efficient flight operations, particularly during variable summer flight schedules and weather conditions.

What is a typical work schedule and environment like for a summer pilot?

As a Summer Pilot, your schedule often includes variable shifts and weekend work, with flight assignments that may change based on weather, demand, or charter bookings. You might operate from small regional airports or private airstrips and be responsible for pre-flight inspections, route planning, and communicating with ground personnel. The role typically involves close coordination with dispatch teams, fellow pilots, and maintenance staff. Though hours can be irregular, the position offers valuable flight time and networking opportunities that can support long-term career growth in aviation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Pilot jobs in Iowa?

For Summer Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Summer Pilot job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 36% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Coop (Spring/Summer 2027), Onsite

BAE Systems

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description

You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees across the nation work on the world's most advanced electronics - from detecting threats for F-35 pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our mission: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®." BAE Systems continues to build on a strong history of providing navigation equipment to meet the evolving needs of commercial and military users.

Our navigation solutions provided enhanced situational awareness and pinpoint accuracy for airborne and surface missions worldwide. Leading the way in GPS systems, our array of products cover airborne, precision-guided munitions, ground handheld receivers and embedded applications. Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

Full-time onsite:

Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work on site due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.

The duration of this position runs from January through mid-August, 2027. Candidate must be available for the entire duration.

Join us at our Cedar Rapids, Iowa location. The Navigation and Sensor Systems organization is a growing business area developing the next generation of advanced military navigation systems. If you have a Mechanical Engineering background, then this is the place to be. Pilots may fly aircraft, but our navigation systems create the route and keep those pilots on course. What are you waiting for! Come be part of the immediate solution in Cedar Rapids and "plant your flag".

Engineering:

Our engineers are the lifeblood of our company and we're more than 5,000 strong. With our robust offering of educational and career development opportunities, your chances to grow are limitless. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about learning, open to mentoring, coaching, and developing problem-solving skills

The Role:

  • You will work closely with a hardware engineering team to support ground and airborne navigation products
  • You will assist with capturing technical requirements
  • You will create mechanical design artifacts and computer-aided design (CAD) models
  • You will support integration and verification testing over military grade climatic and dynamic environments
  • You will generate and review mechanical design documents, drawings, procedures and reports.
  • You will assist in transitioning products to manufacturing and provide mechanical design support
  • You will support design and integration efforts with other engineering disciplines including electrical, software, systems, and test engineering as necessary.

Who You Are:

  • Have excellent interpersonal and communication skill
  • Possess good organizational skills
  • Have the ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments

In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' nationwide LEAP Internship & Co-op Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The LEAP Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects, engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • Must be within or have completed your junior year of a four year degree program in a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with CAD software
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • High motivation to solve problems and continuously improve existing products
  • Ability to work with a diverse team
  • Knowledgeable with 3D printing techniques
  • Familiar with machine shop equipment

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $46437 - $62721

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.


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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US