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F35 Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

F-35 Operations Expert

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

F-35 Operations Expert The Opportunity: As an expert in defense missions, your unique background ... Experience as a qualified Fighter Pilot or Weapon Systems Officer * Experience with tactics ...

Showing results 41-60

F35 Fighter Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f35 fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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.

Is 35 too old to become an F35 Fighter Pilot?

F35 Fighter Pilot candidates typically need to meet specific age, education, and physical requirements, with most entering training in their late 20s or early 30s. While age limits vary by military branch, being 35 may be considered older for initial entry, but prior experience, physical fitness, and meeting other qualifications can influence eligibility. It is advisable to consult the specific military branch's recruitment standards for precise age limits and requirements.

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.

How hard is it to become an F35 Fighter Pilot?

Becoming an F35 Fighter Pilot requires completing rigorous military training, including earning a bachelor's degree, passing physical and medical exams, and gaining experience as a pilot through advanced flight training. Candidates must also demonstrate strong technical skills, leadership, and the ability to handle high-stress situations, making it a highly competitive and demanding career path.

What is an F35 fighter pilot?

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:
Infographic showing various F35 Fighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc. (UTRS) is currently seeking a Fighter MFOQA Analyst to join our team! At UTRS, we enjoy the benefits of working in a collaborative environment of close-knit team members. As a company, we provide a wide range of leading-edge engineering, management, and digital services to the public and private sectors. We are looking for someone that will support our mission to consistently deliver creative, high-quality, technology-based services to our customers on time and within budget.

This position, Fighter Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) Flight Data Analyst (FDA), works with the Air Combat Command (ACC) MFOQA Program Manager to measure and manage operational safety hazards and trends across the CAF Fighter fleet enterprises (F-16, F-15 variants, F-22 and F-35) for MFOQA program enhancement and support. Additionally, the Fighter FDA enhances flight safety through the management and analysis of data collected from MFOQA utilizing the Safety Integrated Risk Information System (S-IRIS) and state-of-the-art commercial data visualization software programs. This position is remote.


What will you be doing?

This position will be a key member of the UTRS Aviation Safety Technology team. Duties include:

  • Utilize software to analyze recorded aircraft information/flight data in relation to Triggered Events (TEs) and Routine Operational Measurements (ROMs); verify and validate aircraft specific measurement sets; generate flight operations trends and special studies; and detect hazardous conditions and risks.
  • Assist ACC MFOQA Program Manager to support ACC's Aviation Safety Action program (ASAP).
  • Advocate MFOQA/ASAP program goals, benefits, and proper uses within ACC, CAF and the AF, including AFSEC's Proactive Aviation Safety.
  • Assist analysis team in developing, deploying, and sustaining processes that facilitate the collection, reporting, analysis, quality control, and visualization of MFOQA and ASAP data and transformation into actionable information for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and tracking operational hazards.
  • Provide knowledge of Fighter operational environments, the missions flown, and the maneuvers performed during those missions.
  • Interface regularly with analysis team, ACC staff, AFSEC staff, and units to identify areas of interest; generate analysis products; present emerging trends, hazards, and risks; and disseminate (within and outside ACC/CAF) analysis results and corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with the ACC MFOQA Program Manager to identify trends and deviations from standard procedures and parameters; identify corrective actions; coordinate implementation of corrective actions with ACC staff; and evaluate effectiveness of any corrective actions undertaken.
  • Assist in the development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance with MFOQA/ASAP regulations, policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Generate informational articles, briefings, case studies, cost benefit analysis, marketing materials, and training materials to stakeholders and designated users throughout the CAF and targeted bases on MFOQA and ASAP safety findings, corrective actions, program plans, goals, objectives, benefits, schedule, and the road ahead.
  • Assist ACC MFOQA Program Manager with the development of long-term funding needs and POM submittals.
  • Support MFOQA/ASAP-related meetings, including MFOQA Program Management Reviews, meetings with Sister Services, Aircraft Information Working Groups, System Safety Groups, industry safety forums, and presentations to Air Staff, ACC, AFSEC, and program office personnel.
  • Participate in working groups and design reviews to ensure that MFOQA requirements are included in any proposed upgrades to flight recorders and other data acquisition systems.


What skills will the ideal candidate have to be successful?


This position will require the following skillsets and experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • 10 years of flight experience as fighter pilot or Weapons System Operator (WSO); Instructor/Evaluator/Weapons Officer highly desired in F-16, F-15, F-22 or F-35
  • Joint, HAF, MAJCOM, or NAF staff experience a plus
  • Formal USAF Safety Training a plus
  • General knowledge of the Guard and Reserve component of ACC
  • Technical requirements
    • Military aviation experience and extensive knowledge of fighter aircraft operational environments, operating characteristics, standards, missions flown, and the maneuvers performed for military fighter aircraft.
    • Knowledge of and experience with aviation safety programs, including MFOQA, ASAP, and LOSA, and operational risk management and processes.
    • Proven ability to collaborate with all echelons, from headquarters staff to squadron operations and maintenance.
  • Analytical and database software proficiency desired (Excel, Tableau, etc.)
  • S. Citizenship required? Yes
  • Travel required? Yes (Anticipate travel approximately 1 trip every 3-6 months.)

Read about our benefits here:Our Benefits - UTRS | Always, Got Your Back


UTRS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. UTRS is a drug-free workplace with pre-employment drug testing and background verifications.

For more information or to apply now, go to the website below:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf


https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/vevraa/self-id-form