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Conductor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Conductor

Edwards, CA · On-site

$83K - $125K/yr

The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and ...

Test Conductor

Edwards, CA · On-site

$83K - $125K/yr

The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and ...

New

As our Tour Conductor for Africaventura you will accompany our clients in their dream of discovering South Africa, Namibia or Botswana, as well as making their trip an unforgettable lifetime ...

Showing results 41-60

Conductor information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$31

How much do conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for conductor in California is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do conductors make a lot of money?

Conductor salaries vary depending on the industry and experience, but in general, train conductors earn a median annual wage of around $60,000, with some earning over $80,000. Factors such as union membership, location, and seniority can influence earnings, and the job often requires certification and adherence to safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Conductor, you need a deep understanding of musical theory, excellent baton technique, and typically formal education in music or conducting. Familiarity with digital score-reading software, audio equipment, and sometimes certification in music education are commonly required. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to inspire and coordinate musicians are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precise musical performances, effective rehearsals, and cohesive orchestral collaboration.

How hard is it to get a job as a conductor?

Securing a job as a conductor typically requires relevant experience, such as working in transportation or customer service, and often involves passing background checks and training programs. Competition can be moderate, and candidates usually need good communication skills and a clean driving record or safety certifications depending on the type of conductor role.

What does a conductor do?

Train, or railroad, conductors oversee all train operations, cargo, and crew. They inspect the train to make sure it functions correctly and complies with all regulations. In addition to operating the train and making sure it reaches its final destination, they must maintain communication with railroad crew members and stations by radio and/or telephone.

What are some common challenges conductors face when leading an orchestra or ensemble?

Conductors often face the challenge of balancing the artistic vision with the technical abilities of their musicians. They must communicate their interpretation of the music clearly, manage rehearsal time efficiently, and address any conflicts or misunderstandings within the ensemble. Additionally, conductors need to adapt quickly to unexpected changes during performances, such as tempo fluctuations or missed cues, while maintaining the overall cohesion and energy of the group. Building trust and rapport with musicians is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving a successful performance.

What is the difference between Conductor vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectConductorTrain Dispatcher
CertificationsRailroad Certification, Safety TrainingRailroad Operations Certification, Safety Training
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, stations, yardsDispatch offices, control centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesPassenger safety, ticketing, train operationsCoordinating train movements, scheduling
Industry UsageRailroads, transit agenciesRailroads, freight companies

While both Conductor and Train Dispatcher work within the railroad industry, conductors focus on onboard operations, passenger safety, and ticketing, whereas train dispatchers coordinate train movements and schedules from control centers. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential for smooth rail operations, but they differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conductor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Conductor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Conductor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Conductor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Conductor jobs in CA?

For Conductor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Conductor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,081 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Principal Test Conductor

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you'll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

Space Systems is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Space Systems has an opening for a Principal Test Conductor to join our team of highly qualified and diverse individuals. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, California.

The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring engineering tests serve mission objectives and that appropriate mechanisms are in place to execute the tests. The person in this role will oversee the operational aspects of engineering tests and serve as a liaison between mechanical/electrical operations and the program, engineering and line management teams. Responsible for overseeing all aspects of tests including: reviewing status of test requirements, management of schedules, selection and supervision of technicians during tests and reporting on progress. The person in this role will also be responsible for developing resolutions to documented procedures in conjunction with Test and Quality Engineering.

The Principal Test Conductor will lead a large team of junior Test Conductors and Engineering Technicians of various skillsets and experience to assemble and test flight hardware at various levels-from sub-system to final system level assembly, including launch operations. Will lead multiple crews/teams and maintain responsibility for all operations conducted in flight operations areas. Will be required to support anomaly resolution and lead response teams as required to troubleshoot system level issues. Will present applicable data at program and functional reviews. The selected candidate must possess excellent leadership characteristics and consistently model NG Values and Behaviors. Candidates will foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. Candidate must be able to work collaboratively with other Test Conductors, as well as various disciplines including SV Engineering, Electrical /Mechanical Engineering, Measurements Engineering, Mechanical Ground Systems Engineering, Thermal and Dynamic Test departments. The candidate must be able to work through various challenges to ensure program success and able to reach important milestones.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Educational Assistance

  • Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

  • Paid Time Off

  • Health & Wellness Resources

  • Employee Discounts


This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret clearance required at time of application.

  • Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of technical experience, OR High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D) plus 9 years of combined technical experience

  • Familiarity with blueprint, technical specifications, processes and schematic comprehension in support of assembly, integration and launching of flight hardware components and sub-systems.

  • Must be able to support weekends, 2nd, 3rd shift, and off hours as dictated by program test activities

  • Proficiency/Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

  • Ability to travel and support all offsite mission critical milestones. (25% of time)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance (Required on Day 1)

  • Minimum of 4 years' direct experience supporting spacecraft integration and test activities

  • Thorough knowledge of Integration and Test floor practices, policies, and procedures with a strong emphasis on personnel and hardware safety

  • A comprehensive understanding of Clean Room requirements, Hazardous Operations protocols, and related high bay operational protocols

  • Hands-on knowledge and experience with the use of a variety of hand tools and mechanical equipment with the ability to read, interpret, and execute work to mechanical assembly drawings

  • Experience demonstrating advanced technical knowledge in manufacturing/integration operations and procedures as it pertains to mechanical assembly and integration with a high attention to detail

  • Ability to review and provide feedback on integration procedures and drawings prior to execution on the floor

  • The skillset to proactively identify issues and determine the appropriate channels to escalate and collaborate with engineering to determine a path forward

  • Advocates for change; promotes and adopts best practices

  • Creates an atmosphere of trust and respect while displaying the highest levels of integrity

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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Northrop Grumman logo

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