Aircraft Captain – Remote Aerial Survey (U.S.)

Pilot Assessments; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

NV5 Geospatial is seeking a Pilot in Command to lead remote geospatial missions across the United States. You will manage aircraft operations, coordinate with Sensor Operators, clients, and ATC, and make critical real-time decisions to ensure safety and data quality.

The role requires FAA PIC experience, a commercial license, and the ability to work early mornings and outdoors. Travel is expected and the position is remote with headquarters in Wisconsin, offering competitive benefits and

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot License (single- or multi-engine).
• At least 1 year of PIC experience under 14 CFR Part 91, 135, or 121.
• 750 hours total flight time.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication, organization, decision-making, and prioritization skills; effective under pressure; capable of working independently and in a team.
• Willingness to operate an aircraft tug; early mornings and late evenings; outdoor work in varying seasonal conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough preflight and post-flight inspections; coordinate with ATC, clients, and ground support; lead crew briefings and risk management; ensure airworthiness and safety; track maintenance and regulatory records.
• Participate in onboarding and training; complete IOE/LOFT; support pilot development and evaluations.
• Support administration tasks including hiring procedures, salary structures, and performance reviews.

Skills

FAA Commercial Pilot License

PIC experience

Flight time

Strong communication

Independent / team work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Mission

As an Aircraft Captain, you hold final authority for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of NV5 Geospatial aircraft. You'll plan and execute remote mapping missions across the U.S., coordinate closely with Sensor Operators, clients, and ATC, and make sound real-time decisions to achieve mission success.

What You’ll Do

• Flight line operations (~70%): Perform thorough preflight and post-flight inspections; clean the aircraft interior and exterior after each flight; conduct mission planning including performance calculations and weather interpretation; coordinate ground support, ATC, and client communications; lead crew briefings and operational risk management; supervise vendor compliance for fueling and outsourced maintenance; move and tug aircraft into/out of hangars; report aircraft and project status; coordinate with mechanics to track and schedule maintenance; ensure aircraft airworthiness and safety; verify FAA records; track personal currency and medical qualifications; maintain current charts, publications, and manuals; and manage avionics data/chart service downloads. Adhere to all ethical, legal, regulatory, company, and Safety Management System requirements.
• Training (~20%): Participate in company onboarding; complete third-party initial and recurrent aircraft training; conduct and receive internal IOE and LOFT; support remedial and ground-training modules; take part in pilot group and client-mandated training; contribute to training and evaluation of pilots.
• Administrative (~10%): Help establish minimum employment qualifications, hiring procedures, salary and grade structures, performance-appraisal processes, and dismissal procedures; support employee development, department communication, morale, and periodic meetings.

What You Bring

Minimum qualifications:

• FAA Commercial Pilot License (single- or multi-engine) and FAA Second Class Medical.
• At least 1 year of PIC experience under 14 CFR Part 91, 135, or 121.
• 750 hours total flight time.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication, organization, decision-making, and prioritization skills; effective under pressure; comfortable working independently and within a team.
• Willingness to operate an aircraft tug; availability for early mornings and late evenings; ability to work outdoors in varying seasonal conditions.

Preferred qualifications:

• CFI, CFII, and/or MEI; at least one year as a certified instrument and/or multiengine instructor.
• Aerial survey experience.
• Experience in King Air 200, Cessna Conquest II, or Cessna Caravan.
• Pressurized turbine and multiengine time.
• Remote flying experience in Alaska or similar environments.
• Bachelor's degree.

Required minimums may be reduced for applicants from partner schools or with prior aerial survey experience.

Schedule, Location & Travel

• Remote role based in the United States; headquarters in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
• Travel rotation of 16 days on / 12 days off; travel may exceed 75%.
• Line operations may include early mornings, late evenings, and variable weather conditions.

Benefits & Growth

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k).
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Safety & Compliance

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
• Strict adherence to all ethical, legal, regulatory, company, and Safety Management System requirements.

Ready to Lead?

Join NV5 Geospatial as Pilot in Command and help capture high-quality geospatial data that drives real-world decisions across industries.