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Director Flight Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril is looking for a highly motivated Deputy Director of Flight Operations with emphasis on developmental test of a new and revolutionary medium and large conventional and VTOL UAS vehicles. You ...

CAPTAIN FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Teterboro, NJ · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

Recommendation by Chief Pilot, Operations and approval by Director, Flight Operations based on periodic evaluations and personal observation ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree

Purpose of Position The Director, Flight Support provides strategic oversight of operational planning, compliance, risk management, and support functions that enable safe and efficient flight ...

Compensation: $110-160k total compensation Vermeer is looking for a UAS Flight Operations Director to join our team. In this role, you will be heading up the Flight Testing & Validation processes for ...

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Director Flight Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director flight operations?

A Director of Flight Operations is responsible for overseeing an airline or aviation company's flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, operational efficiency, and company policies. They manage pilot scheduling, flight planning, and coordination with regulatory authorities like the FAA or EASA. Additionally, they work closely with maintenance, safety, and dispatch teams to ensure smooth flight operations. Their role is critical in maintaining high safety standards, optimizing costs, and ensuring on-time performance.

What are some typical challenges a director flight operations faces in their day-to-day work?

Directors of Flight Operations often navigate complex logistical challenges, such as adapting flight schedules due to weather disruptions, maintenance issues, or crew availability. They must also ensure ongoing compliance with evolving aviation regulations while maintaining optimal safety and efficiency standards. Successfully leading a diverse team of pilots, dispatchers, and ground support staff requires balancing operational demands with strategic planning. Overcoming these challenges involves strong decision-making skills, effective communication, and the ability to respond quickly under pressure, making the role both dynamic and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director flight operations position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Flight Operations, you need deep knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, safety management systems, and significant leadership experience, often supported by a commercial pilot's license or equivalent operational background. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling tools, and compliance documentation systems is essential. Outstanding organizational, communication, and crisis management skills are crucial for coordinating teams and maintaining operational efficiency. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of flight activities in a highly regulated environment.

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Cities with the most Director Flight Operations job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Operations jobs?

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What states have the most Director Flight Operations jobs?

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Infographic showing various Director Flight Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Deputy Director, Flight Operations

Slope

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$220 - $292/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

Anduril is looking for a highly motivated Deputy Director of Flight Operations with emphasis on developmental test of a new and revolutionary medium and large conventional and VTOL UAS vehicles. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross‑departments to help develop, mentor, and lead a world‑class flight test organization focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. This role delivers a rare breadth of exposure, spanning autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, robotics, software, operations, systems validation, safety assessments, release decisions, and regulatory compliance. Anduril is a rapidly growing company, and the right person for this role should be able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with many competing priorities. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.

What You’ll Do
  • Develop and implement flight operation strategies that align with company leadership directives.
  • Oversee the integration, planning, execution, and operational oversight of flight tests and associated activities.
  • Collaborate with test engineers and control room personnel to provide input on test event planning, preparation, execution, and reporting.
  • Navigate a complex product development roadmap, focusing on system integration, strategy development, and program execution.
  • Facilitate engineering reviews, technical discussions, and ensure effective communication between Anduril and customer representatives.
  • Provide input and oversight for essential documentation, including system manuals, checklists, and acceptance procedures.
  • Coordinate project and test progress status, interfacing with program leadership, and managing resource constraints.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies during flight operations.
  • Support hardware and software testing, emphasizing resource planning and process improvement.
  • Manage and mentor flight operations staff, including pilots, crew, and support personnel.
Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in flight operations and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.
  • Experience with large UAS development.
  • Knowledge of DCMA INST 8210, MIL-STD-516, 14 CFR, and related T&E guiding documents.
  • Strong understanding of engineering concepts and principles, with broad application in related technical specialties.
  • Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts, organize work phases, and develop solutions to complex problems.
  • Experience working with the Department of War (DoW).
  • Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of team management.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Willingness to work extended hours as needed.
  • Willingness to travel as required.
  • Must possess and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
  • In this role, you will be subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 15+ years of experience in flight operations, high risk flight testing and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.
  • 10+ years of Pilot-In-Command experience of large manned and or unmanned aircraft.
  • Involvement in the first flight of a developmental aircraft or major aircraft system.
  • Proactive problem‑solving mindset.
  • Previous experience in a Combined Test Force or equivalent organization.

US Salary Range

$220,000 — $292,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

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