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F16 Pilot Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

F16 Pilot information

See Missouri salary details

$46.4K

$122.8K

$188.5K

How much do f16 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for f16 pilot in Missouri is $122,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $145,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an F16 pilot?

F16 pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multi-role fighter jet used by air forces around the world. Their duties include operating the aircraft in combat, training, reconnaissance, and support missions. F16 pilots must master advanced flight maneuvers, navigation, weapons systems, and tactical operations. They undergo rigorous selection, training, and continuous skill development to ensure mission readiness and safety. The role demands physical fitness, mental acuity, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an F16 pilot?

To thrive as an F16 Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, exceptional physical fitness, and completion of rigorous military flight training and certification. Mastery of avionics systems, radar, weapons systems, and flight simulation tools is essential. Outstanding situational awareness, quick decision-making, and teamwork are critical soft skills for success in high-pressure environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring mission effectiveness, operational safety, and successful collaboration with ground and air crews.

What are some common challenges faced by F16 pilots during training and operational missions?

F16 pilots often face challenges such as mastering complex avionics systems, maintaining situational awareness at high speeds, and executing precise maneuvers under stressful conditions. Training is rigorous and demands both physical and mental endurance, as pilots must adapt to rapidly changing mission scenarios and environments. Additionally, F16 pilots frequently collaborate with ground crews and other pilots to ensure mission success, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between F16 Pilot vs F/A-18 Pilot?

AspectF16 PilotF/A-18 Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certification, FAA license (if applicable), specialized fighter pilot trainingMilitary pilot certification, FAA license (if applicable), carrier landing training
Work EnvironmentAir Force fighter jets, airbases, combat zonesNavy fighter jets, aircraft carriers, maritime environments
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, defense industryU.S. Navy, defense industry

Both F16 and F/A-18 pilots are highly trained military aviators operating advanced fighter jets. The main differences lie in their work environment—F16 pilots typically operate from land-based airbases, while F/A-18 pilots often fly from aircraft carriers. Certifications and training are similar, but carrier landing skills are specific to F/A-18 pilots. Both roles require rigorous physical and technical training, with employment primarily in the defense sector.

How do you become an F-16 pilot?

To become an F-16 pilot, candidates must join the military, typically the Air Force, and complete officer training. They then undergo specialized flight training and earn their pilot wings, gaining experience in advanced aircraft systems and combat tactics before qualifying to fly the F-16.

What are popular job titles related to F16 Pilot jobs in Missouri?

For F16 Pilot jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

5th Generation Subject Matter Expert

BGI, LLC

California, MO • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

5th Generation Subject Matter Expert - (IS_COMPANY_1.72)

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Job Title

5th Generation Subject Matter Expert

Location

Orange County, CA US (Primary)

Position Summary and Job Responsibilities

BGI is a unique and innovative veteran-owned small business that brings together highly experienced leaders and managers, instructors, operators, training experts, operational subject matter experts (SMEs), software and systems engineers and courseware developers into a mission-oriented environment that fosters teamwork, innovation and reliability with our customers and partners. Since 1994, BGI has grown from a few aviators consulting on training device development into a respected training, engineering and technical services organization. BGI provides a wide array of services that match customer needs with a uniquely qualified team of experts to solve real problems in today’s complex training and operational environments. BGI has established a reputation for excellence in training system products and technical services that adhere to ever-tightening cost and schedule constraints while continually meeting the needs and expectations of the end user. BGI has an extensive history supporting Flight Training, Flight Data Analytics, Conditioned Based Maintenance (CBM) and highly technical Simulation and Training projects. BGI has invested heavily in Internal Research and Development (IR&D) related to data analytics and reporting, “big data” data warehouse capabilities, cloud and hybrid cloud hosting, web-based interfaces and enhanced cybersecurity. BGI’s mature infrastructure of highly effective communication and information technology tools along with ISO 9001:2015 certified quality and management processes keep everyone informed, clearly tasked and aligned with program objectives wherever their work is located.

Position Summary

BGI is currently seeking part-time SMEs (F35/F22 preferred) to support activities associated with a Department of War Prime Contractor in the Orange County, Southern California area. SMEs must be experts in fighter tactics, flying operations and mission and vehicle systems. SMEs will use their knowledge of fighter operations, AF/ANG/USN/USMC publications, and aircraft systems to provide consistent, accurate SME input during software/hardware design and testing.

Job Responsibilities
  • Plan, execute and debrief mission-based testing in support software/hardware design, test and validation.
  • Provide accurate test results during debrief sessions to capture test discrepancies.
  • Review requirements and provide input for new software developments.
  • MUST BE U.S. CITIZEN
Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a minimum of 1000 hours in a multi-role fighter aircraft (F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, F-35).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 500 hours in a 5th generation aircraft (F-35, F-22).
  • Current and qualified F-35 / F-22 pilot or qualified contract instructor pilot in the last year.
  • USAF Fighter Weapons Instructor Course, Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics graduate or Navy Top Gun graduate.
Other Requirements:
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a USG secret security clearance.
  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university

BGI is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affimative Action Employer. Consistent with applicable law, BGI provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who seek to utilize the company's on-line employment process. BGI has made extensive efforts to ensure that its on-line employment process is accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, if an applicant is unable to fully utilize BGI's procedures, BGI will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants that require accommodation with the online employment process may contact 330.374.7737 for assistance.

It is the policy of BGI, LLC to take affirmative action in affording equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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