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Dod Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft 100 hours PIC ...

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot. Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead. 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft. 100 hours ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance. Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance. Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance. Work Environment & Physical Demands:

$131K - $171K/yr

Pilot's aircraft and commands crew, operates aircraft controls and equipment. Performs or directs ... This posn is subject to provision of the DoD Priority Placement Program * Must sign a mobility ...

Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to ... DoD Secret security clearance. § Must comply with all company Information Systems security ...

Title C/KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the ... Must have a current DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Contract requires US ...

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and program access. * Military ...

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Northrop Grumman's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for ... Current, proficient, and qualified in military aircraft Current DoD Top Secret clearance Strong ...

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance. Work Environment & Physical Demands:

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Showing results 1-20

Dod Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do dod pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod pilot in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DoD pilot?

A DoD Pilot is a military or civilian aviator who operates aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense. They may fly combat, transport, surveillance, or training missions, depending on their branch and assignment. DoD Pilots undergo rigorous training, including military flight school and specialized instruction for their aircraft. They must meet strict medical, physical, and operational requirements to ensure mission readiness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DoD pilot?

To thrive as a DoD Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, flight experience, and a military or FAA pilot certification. Familiarity with military aircraft, flight planning systems, and mission-specific navigation or communication technologies is essential. Leadership, composure under pressure, and strong teamwork skills set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies are critical to ensure safe, effective operations in challenging, high-stakes environments while meeting mission objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by DoD pilots during missions?

DoD Pilots often operate in dynamic and unpredictable environments, requiring them to quickly adapt to changing mission parameters, weather conditions, or airspace restrictions. They must maintain high situational awareness and precise communication with team members, ground control, and supporting units. Intensive training is provided to prepare for potential emergencies, complex maneuvers, or high-stress combat scenarios. Successfully managing these challenges is key to mission success and personal safety.

What are popular job titles related to Dod Pilot jobs in California?

For Dod Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dod Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dod Pilot jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Dod Pilot job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Textron

Chula Vista, CA • On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Textron rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. This role is in Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. ATAC provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight sites and two continents and comprises the world's largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization and proudly provides the highest quality live training to Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups.

SCOPE: Fly the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker Hunter, F-1 Mirage, or the AERO Vodochody L-39 Albatros, in regular support of US Navy, Marine Corps, and US Air Force training and readiness missions. Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions. Support surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions. Navy Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC's four permanent facilities (Newport News Virginia, Pt Mugu NAS California, Fallon NAS California, Kaneohe Bay MCAS Hawaii), or deployed locations. Deploy as required to locations including but not limited to Key West NAS, Fallon NAS, Beaufort MCAS, Jacksonville NAS, Lemoore NAS, Eglin AFB, Charleston Intl Airport, Jacksonville Intl Airport, Cherry Point MCAS, and various USAF, USN, USMC bases throughout Alaska, Guam, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second Class medical certification, adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment. Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings and other pre-flight briefings. Plan and fly adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings. Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions. Collect and disseminate lessons learned. Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights. Deploy as required to support mission requirements. Additional Duties: Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards & Evaluation, Safety, or other Program Management duties as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Travel Requirements: 20%

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft 100 hours PIC at night Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate FAA Commercial, Airplane Single Engine Land Privileges Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen Specific Navy Contract Qualifications 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate TPS graduate DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification Mission Commander qualification Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor FAA CFI(I) Certificate Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types) DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate Squadron Command experience Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie) Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)

How We Care At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples! Flexible Work Schedules Education Assistance Career Development & Training Opportunities Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement) Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran? Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company. AI Readiness: Textron expects employees to use AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively. Candidates should be comfortable learning and applying these tools, evaluating AI-generated output with sound judgment, and using AI in line with company policy and ethical standards. Prior experience with specific tools is not required — we value curiosity, adaptability, and good judgment.

Textron's compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range for this position is $217,401.60 - $217,401.6 per year.

EEO Statement Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Classified Information Statement - Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information.

Veteran Statement - Preference given to Veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces.

Recruiting Company: Textron Systems

Primary Location: US-California-Point Mugu Nawc

Job Field: Flight Operations

Schedule: Full-time

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Job Type: Experienced

Shift: First Shift

Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time Worksite: Onsite


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About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923