ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Of Flight Operations Jobs in California

System Dynamics Intl

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

S. Air Force operations. The selected candidate will provide operational and administrative support to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of flight activities in accordance with ...

Sdi Inc

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

S. Air Force operations. The selected candidate will provide operational and administrative support to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of flight activities in accordance with ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... Analyze and verify test site conditions to ensure successful conduct of a flight test; sound ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... Analyze and verify test site conditions to ensure successful conduct of a flight test; sound ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

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 ...

Approach Venture LLC

Head of Flight Software

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Lead development of software frameworks, state machines, communication layers, and operational ... Direct ownership over spacecraft flight software architecture and execution * Highly collaborative ...

Wing

Head of Flight Test Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... direct people management of flight test and evaluation teams. * Deep, end-to-end domain knowledge across autonomous aircraft systems and their integration into a real-world operational environment.

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... Analyze and verify test site conditions to ensure successful conduct of a flight test; sound ...

Wing

Head of Flight Test Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$276K - $293K/yr

... direct people management of flight test and evaluation teams. * Deep, end-to-end domain knowledge across autonomous aircraft systems and their integration into a real-world operational environment.

Approach Venture

Head of Flight Software

El Segundo, CA

$180K - $230K/yr

Lead development of software frameworks, state machines, communication layers, and operational ... Direct ownership over spacecraft flight software architecture and execution * Highly collaborative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOf Flight Operations JobsDirector Of Flight Operations JobsDirector Of Flight Operations Jobs in California

Director Of Flight Operations information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$95.8K

$157.4K

How much do director of flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of flight operations in California is $95,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $120,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a director of flight operations?

A Director of Flight Operations oversees all aspects of an airline or aviation company's flight operations. This includes ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, managing pilots and flight crews, developing operational policies, and coordinating with maintenance and safety departments. They are also responsible for maintaining operational efficiency, addressing safety concerns, and implementing procedures to enhance flight performance. Their leadership is crucial in ensuring that all flights are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of flight operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Flight Operations, you need extensive experience in aviation operations, regulatory compliance, and typically hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or similar qualifications. Familiarity with flight planning software, safety management systems (SMS), and aviation regulations such as FAA or EASA standards is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills help manage teams and coordinate complex operational demands. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations within an organization.

How does a director of flight operations typically collaborate with other departments within an airline?

A Director of Flight Operations works closely with various departments such as Maintenance, Crew Scheduling, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance to ensure seamless flight operations. Regular coordination with these teams is essential for addressing operational challenges, implementing safety protocols, and maintaining regulatory standards. This collaborative approach helps align flight schedules, resolve issues promptly, and support overall operational efficiency. Effective communication and teamwork are key components of success in this leadership role.

What is the difference between Director Of Flight Operations vs Flight Operations Manager?

AspectDirector Of Flight OperationsFlight Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees all flight operations, strategic planning, compliance, and safety policiesManages daily flight operations, crew scheduling, and operational tasks
Required CredentialsCommercial pilot license, management experience, FAA certificationsCommercial pilot license, operational experience, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, corporate offices, flight departmentsOperational settings, flight bases, airline or corporate flight teams

The main difference is that the Director Of Flight Operations focuses on strategic oversight and policy, while the Flight Operations Manager handles daily operational management. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does a director of flight operations do?

A director of flight operations oversees the planning, safety, and management of an airline's or private flight department's flight activities. They coordinate flight schedules, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and supervise pilots and flight staff to maintain operational efficiency and safety standards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director Of Flight Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Flight Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,774 per year, or $46 per hour.

Director of Flight Test I

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking an accomplished and innovative Director of Flight Test to join our Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA. This leadership role is integral to advancing the flight test and operational execution of our Advanced Weapons family of missiles, which are critical to achieving mission success for global defense systems.
What You Will Get to Do
As the Director of Flight Test, you will have responsibility for overseeing the successful execution of end-to-end flight test operations, focusing on rigorous test planning, seamless integration, and data-driven analysis to validate the performance and reliability of advanced missile systems. Your impact will ensure the delivery of high-quality performance and results to meet the critical needs of U.S. and allied defense forces.
  • Orchestrate Flight Test Campaigns: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test activities to validate missile performance and operational capabilities under representative mission conditions.
  • Ensure Event Readiness: Implement thorough planning, scheduling, and risk management practices to ensure readiness for all flight test milestones, minimizing delays and optimizing resource utilization.
  • Collaborate for Excellence: Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Systems Engineering, Verification & Validation, Software Integration, Test & Evaluation) to support system integration and verification strategies.
  • Utilize Advanced Test Methodologies: Integrate robust and cutting-edge data collection, telemetry systems, and analytical tools to continuously improve test fidelity, efficiency, and overall mission assurance.
  • Oversee Range and Safety Compliance: Work closely with system safety and test range personnel to ensure compliance with range safety policies, procedures, and regulations while representing program objectives.
  • Drive Quality and Performance: Champion excellence by adhering to stringent engineering and safety standards to support flight test success and reliable missile system performance.
  • Support Decision Boards: Participate in and provide technical expertise to key decision forums, such as Test Readiness Reviews, Program Management Reviews, and other engineering boards, to ensure alignment with business unit goals.
  • Optimize Flight Test Resources: Partner with the Director of System Verification & Validation to drive innovation to achieve efficient and effective resource allocation, advancing flight test operations while meeting cost, schedule, and performance benchmarks.

Basic Qualifications for Director of Flight Test
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM-related discipline with 15+ years of experience, or 13+ years with a master's degree, or 10+ years with a Ph.D.
  • Extensive experience leading the planning, execution, and analysis of flight test operations for complex aerospace systems.
  • Proficiency in flight test processes, safety protocols, range coordination requirements, instrumentation, telemetry, and performance analysis.
  • Demonstrated capability to balance and achieve Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) while adhering to cost and schedule constraints.
  • Exceptional technical leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional organizations.
  • *Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related STEM discipline.
  • Specialized experience in flight testing air-launched weapon systems or missile systems.
  • Strong technical foundation in flight test planning, execution, real-time data acquisition, post-mission analysis, and risk management.
  • Expertise in advanced telemetry systems, sensors, guidance platforms, and data integration tools.
  • Familiarity with digital engineering workflows and data-driven decision processes in testing environments.
  • Prior engagement in planning and coordinating test activities across geographically distributed teams, stakeholders, and flight test ranges.
  • Proven ability to deliver innovative test solutions to enhance schedule adherence, technical quality, and performance assurance.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, if required.

Primary Level Salary Range: $203,900.00 - $305,900.00
The 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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply