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Un Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Guidance Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

... of un-crewed aircraft into the National Airspace System. Responsibilities * Define guidance system capabilities and requirements in collaboration with operations and pilot teams * Design guidance ...

Un Pilot information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.3K

$149K

$228.7K

How much do un pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for un pilot in Seattle, WA is $148,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,800.00 and $176,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UN pilot?

An Un Pilot, or United Nations Pilot, typically refers to a pilot employed by the United Nations to operate aircraft for various missions such as humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and logistical support. These pilots are responsible for flying fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment into areas that may be difficult to access by other means. UN Pilots must adhere to strict safety standards and often work in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the success of UN operations worldwide.

What are some common challenges faced by UN pilots during humanitarian missions?

UN Pilots often operate in challenging environments, such as conflict zones or areas affected by natural disasters. They must adapt quickly to rapidly changing conditions, including unpredictable weather and limited infrastructure. Additionally, UN Pilots work closely with diverse, multicultural teams and must coordinate logistics, maintain safety protocols, and ensure timely delivery of aid—all under tight time constraints. Flexibility, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to succeed in this dynamic role.

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

To thrive as a Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, excellent hand-eye coordination, and typically hold a commercial pilot’s license or airline transport pilot certificate. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation instruments, and aviation regulations is essential, often supported by simulator training and specific aircraft type ratings. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making ability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for managing flight operations and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are vital to safely operate aircraft, respond effectively to in-flight challenges, and maintain compliance with strict aviation standards.

What is the difference between Un Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectUn PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licensesFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot certificate
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, open skies, airportsGround control, remote locations, indoor/outdoor
Industry UsageAviation, transportation, militaryFilmmaking, surveying, inspection

Un Pilot typically refers to licensed pilots operating manned aircraft, often in aviation or military sectors, requiring extensive flight training and certifications. Drone Operators control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often with similar certifications but focus on remote piloting for commercial or recreational purposes. While both roles involve aerial operation, Un Pilots operate manned aircraft in more regulated environments, whereas Drone Operators work with UAVs for diverse applications.

What job categories do people searching Un Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Un Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Un Pilot job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,984 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Sr. Guidance Engineer

Reliable Robotics

Seattle, WA • On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As a Sr. Guidance Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control team. You will contribute to the design, implementation, and testing of the guidance system, and your work will enable the integration of un-crewed aircraft into the National Airspace System.

Responsibilities

  • Define guidance system capabilities and requirements in collaboration with operations and pilot teams

  • Design guidance system features to integrate with flight control systems and pilot displays

  • Implement flight guidance algorithms in simulation and flight software

  • Reduce and analyze simulation, lab, and flight test data

  • Evaluate guidance system performance and behavior via simulation, hardware-in-loop, and flight test cases

Basic Success Criteria

  • MS in aerospace engineering, robotics, or equivalent field

  • 8+ years professional experience developing guidance or motion planning algorithms for real-time vehicle systems

  • Professional C/C++ and Python software development experience

  • Excellent ability to communicate system behavior to end users

Preferred Criteria

  • PhD in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or similar advanced degree

  • Technical expertise in one of the following areas: motion planning, control systems, probability theory, optimization

  • Experience developing software for safety critical applications

  • Experience with Flight Management System certification

  • Current pilot, instrument or commercial rating

We are developing and building high-integrity, safety-critical systems for automated flight, and your role is critical to what we do at Reliable Robotics. With the support of the whole team, you will contribute to a novel guidance system that drives our mission forward.

Must be willing to travel 10% of the time.


This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co