NV5 | Chief Pilot

Assistant Chief Pilot

Job ID: 2026-12083 | Location: US-Remote | Category: Geospatial/GIS | Type: Regular Full-Time

Overview

NV5 is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Assistant Chief Pilot to support the Director of Flight Operations. This role is responsible for reinforcing safe and standardized flight operations, supervising assigned personnel, ensuring training compliance, and actively engaging in flight line operations. The Assistant Chief Pilot plays a critical role in upholding company policies, operational standards, and Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.

Responsibilities

Flight Operations (30%)

• Mentor pilots and provide instruction regarding the NV5 Flight Standards and Training Program.
• Assist in the development of the Flight Department budget, including the creation and submission of Asset Requests and Purchase Orders.
• Develop and maintain pilot processes, including the General Operations Manual (GOM), checklists, and the Safety Manual.
• Manage FAA record compliance and maintain qualifications/currency requirements for all mission-related personnel.
• Assist in developing and upholding the NV5 Geospatial Safety Policy.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and policy deviations; provide recommendations for preventive or disciplinary actions.
• Serve as a party to NTSB investigations as required and maintain effective relations with the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
• Ensure Quality Assurance through the scheduling and execution of internal audits and inspections.

Flight Line Operations (60%)

• Perform comprehensive preflight and post-flight aircraft inspections, including interior and exterior sanitation.
• Conduct mission planning, including performance calculations, weather interpretation, ground support, and client coordination.
• Coordinate with the Sensor Operator to execute missions safely and efficiently.
• Supervise vendor compliance, manage aircraft hangar movement, and track project status.
• Collaborate with aircraft mechanics to schedule maintenance, ensuring airworthiness and safety.
• Maintain current aeronautical charts, publications, manuals, and avionics databases.

Personnel Management (10%)

• Establish employment qualifications, hiring procedures, salary structures, and performance appraisal processes.
• Foster high morale through regular department meetings, clear communication of goals, and support for employee development programs.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Multi-engine Commercial Pilot License.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) operating under CFR 14 Part 91, 135, or 121.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
• 1,000 hours of total flight time; 100 hours turbine; 250 hours multi-engine.
• FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, and MEI).
• Residency within 90 miles of Portland, Corvallis, Anchorage, Lexington, or Sheboygan.
• Experience in aerial survey, pressurized turbine aircraft, or remote flying in Alaska.
• Experience with King Air 200, Cessna Conquest II, or Cessna Caravan aircraft.
• Master’s degree in Aviation Management or MBA.

Required Skills and Physical Requirements

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with all levels of management.
• Ability to handle multiple, competing priorities under pressure while maintaining a professional image.
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time, including a consistent 16 days on/12 days off rotation.
• Capable of driving aircraft tugs and working in varying seasonal weather conditions.
• Availability for early morning and late evening operations.

Benefits and EEO Statement

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k), and professional development opportunities. NV5 is an equal employment opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran.