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Director Flight Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform the duties of Test Director for a multi-disciplinary test team when required. * Represents Flight Operations in a technical advisor capacity as needs dictate. * Maintains the strict ...

Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. * Perform post-flight data analysis as required. * Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance ...

Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. * Perform post-flight data analysis as required. * Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. * Perform post-flight data analysis as required. * Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance ...

Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. * Perform post-flight data analysis as required. * Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. * Perform post-flight data analysis as required. * Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance ...

Flight Follower P/T

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

Flight Follower P/T

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Flight Operations information

See California salary details

$33.6K

$106.3K

$177.2K

How much do director flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight operations in California is $106,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $133,700.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Flight Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Flight Operations jobs in California?

For Director Flight Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Flight Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Flight Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Flight Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Flight Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Flight Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,270 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Flight Operations Manager 1 to provide objective-oriented direction and work assignments to team members utilizing management guidelines & general policies in support of aircraft test operations.

This position will be primarily a 4/10 shift position with expectations to support alternative shifts based on business needs, based at Edwards AFB, CA.

The selected candidate will oversee day-to-day operations for Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) maintenance.

The selected candidate will be required to build, lead, and sustain effective teams that support program goals.

The selected candidate will work alongside Northrop Grumman and U.S. Government personnel.

Responsibilities include:

  • Operations Management: Planning program performance, addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and full responsibility for all aspects of program operational performance on a mid-size technical services-type contract.
  • Create, implement, and enforce required processes and procedures for team effectiveness and accountability.
  • Oversees projects and tasks assigned to the organizational group performed by non-exempt and/or exempt employees. Functions as an advisor regarding tasks, projects, and operations. Becomes actively involved in daily operations only when required to meet schedules or to resolve complex problems.
  • Executes departmental procedures that typically affect individual employees within own department. Policy management: Interprets and executes policies and procedures that typically affect subordinate organizational units. Recommend modifications to operating policies.
  • Ensures that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Accomplishes results through lower-level subordinate supervisors or through experienced exempt employees who exercise significant latitude and independence in their assignments.
  • Maintains frequent interaction with internal personnel and outside customer representatives at various management levels concerning operations or scheduling or specific phases of projects or contracts. Conducts briefings and participates in technical meetings for internal & external representatives concerning specifics operations.
  • The candidate will be responsible to the Site Manager for the daily operations of support functions supporting flight test operations.The candidate will be directly involved with the team and is responsible for the oversight of direct reports, assignment of work, setting schedules, directing day-to-day workflow, addressing personnel concerns, and approving timecards for both exempt & non-exempt personnel.
  • May originate support plans for offer to potential customers and provide technical assistance to existing customer personnel. May forecast and manage budget system.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and 8 years of relevant experience in flightline and support equipment operations. Will consider a bachelor's degree with 6 years of applied experience; or a master's degree with 4 years of applied experience
  • Team leadership and team management experience required.
  • Experience in two or more of the following: electrical, fluid dynamics, diesel engines, HVAC, cryogenics, and turbines.
  • Must be able to direct day-to-day workflow and make decisions relating to the performance, expectations, and responsibilities of your team.
  • Experience in establishing and maintaining operational work schedules.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, off-shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must be a US citizen and possess an active, in-scope US Government Secret Security Clearance with a current investigation date that is within 5 years. Secret Clearance required to start.
  • Must be able to obtain Program Access within 180 days of submission. Program Access required to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 10+ years' experience of specialized, relevant experience in two or more of the following: aircraft, manufacturing, production, flight line, customer service, and/or tool crib experience.
  • Experience in standing up and sustaining new operations and areas to support test organizations.
  • Experience in leading effective teams to complete mission objectives. Proficiency in risk mitigation techniques and process improvement and efficiency modifications.
  • Proficiency in using inventory, supply, material, and logistics databases: SAP, Maximo, SPA, Passport, etc.
  • Proficiency in using and managing material and logistics databases: FMT, MES, IMDS, G081, TCMAX, EESOHMIS, etc.
  • Experience identifying and procuring consumables, HAZMAT, tooling, and spare parts required for specific operations.
  • Experience managing programs, to include warehouse inventory, tool control, HAZMAT, and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience in asset management and related configurations.
  • Experience in analyzing technical orders, CAD drawings, and engineering diagrams to determine appropriate spares listing for ground support equipment inspections and maintenance.
  • Management of maintenance data integrity program. Skilled at managing review processes for released engineering data and coordinating changes with engineering, quality, support, and engineering data control activities.
  • Experience drafting Basis of Estimate (BOE) & Request for Proposal documents.
  • Experience establishing baseline & re-baseline of labor, materials, and Other-Direct Costs (ODC's) for statement of work efforts and proposals.
  • Experience forecasting manpower requirements, creating staffing plans, and creating material Bill of Materials (BOM) to support future work efforts.
  • Experienced in authoring business proposals, drafting process management guides, and creating work instructions. Data Ascension Library experience.
  • Experienced with Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Variance Analysis Reports, and EAC reviews.
  • Possess an active, in-scope DoD Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • Currently hold relevant special program accesses.
Primary Level Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $165,000.00The 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.

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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