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F35 Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Textron

Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

... USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com. Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 in ... Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot * Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead ...

Textron

... USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com. Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 in ... Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot * Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead ...

BGI (Ohio)

4th/5th Gen Pilot SME

NV

Job Responsibilities Responsible for flying modern air dominance tactics as both an adversary in VATs and a fighter pilot in the F-22 / F-35 FIAB in support of various operational, test, and training ...

Textron

... F-35 Lightning IIs. Job Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker ... Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ...

Textron

Pilot - Skillbridge

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

... F-35 Lightning IIs. Job Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker ... Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ...

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F35 Fighter Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f35 fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for f35 fighter pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges F35 Fighter Pilots face when transitioning from training to active duty squadrons?

F35 Fighter Pilots often face the challenge of adapting to the fast-paced environment and high expectations of active duty squadrons after completing their rigorous training. They must quickly learn to integrate with established teams, handle complex mission planning, and operate advanced avionics under real-world conditions. Additionally, balancing continuous learning with operational demands and maintaining peak physical and mental fitness can be demanding. Support from experienced pilots and ongoing mentorship are key resources that help new pilots succeed in this transition.

What are F35 Fighter Pilots?

F35 Fighter Pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for flying and operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a state-of-the-art stealth multirole fighter jet. They conduct a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. F35 Fighter Pilots undergo extensive training to master both the advanced technology and tactical skills required to operate this fifth-generation aircraft. Their role is critical to maintaining air superiority and supporting national defense objectives.

What is the difference between F35 Fighter Pilot vs F16 Fighter Pilot?

AspectF35 Fighter PilotF16 Fighter Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certification, advanced flight training, specific F35 program trainingMilitary pilot certification, advanced flight training, F16-specific training
Work EnvironmentAdvanced stealth fighter cockpit, modern aircraft systems, integrated mission environmentsTraditional fighter cockpit, combat and training missions, high-speed operations
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, allied air forces, defense contractorsU.S. Air Force, allied air forces, defense contractors

The main difference between an F35 Fighter Pilot and an F16 Fighter Pilot lies in the aircraft technology and mission capabilities. F35 pilots operate the latest stealth and multi-role aircraft with advanced systems, while F16 pilots operate a proven, versatile fighter aircraft. Both roles require similar military pilot certifications and serve in comparable military environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an F35 Fighter Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an F35 Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, quick decision-making, and a bachelor's degree, usually accompanied by completion of military flight training and officer commissioning. Proficiency with advanced avionics, mission planning systems, and simulation technology is critical, along with potential certifications in tactical operations. Outstanding situational awareness, stress resilience, and effective teamwork set top pilots apart. These skills ensure mission success, safety, and the ability to operate one of the world's most advanced aircraft in high-pressure environments.
More about F35 Fighter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most F35 Fighter Pilot job openings:
What states have the most F35 Fighter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching F35 Fighter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs are:
F35 Fighter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various F35 Fighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Textron

Cherry Point, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Textron rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Who We Are
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.
This role is in Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!
About ATAC
Textron Systems - ATAC provides tactical flight training and Adversary, Red Air and Aggressor services to the U.S. Navy, Marines and the US Air Force. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites spanning the CONUS, Hawaii and the Pacific. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to 4th and 5th Generation aircrew in Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups conducting unit level continuation training, pre-deployment spin-up training, large force employment training, or aircrew conversion training. ATAC was the first civilian organization to support the USAF's F-22 Raptors as well as the USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com.
Summary
Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 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.
Marine Contracts: Conduct flight operations from ATAC'S permanent facilities at Cherry Point, NC. Deploy as required to various locations.
Job Responsibilities
  • Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training.
  • Maintain FAA instrument currency, First Class medical certification, and 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

Minimum Qualifications
  • Previously qualified DoD-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 First Class Medical Certificate
  • FAA Single Engine, Commercial Certificate with Instrument Privileges
  • Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen

Specific 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. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives.
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.

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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

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