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F35 Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

5th Gen Subject Matter Expert

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Minimum of 1000 hours in a 5th generation aircraft (F-22, F-35) * Current and qualified F-22 / F-35 pilot or qualified contract instructor pilot in the last year * USAF Fighter Weapons Instructor ...

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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 16, 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.

How many F-35 pilots does the US have?

The United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps collectively operate over 1,700 F-35 fighter pilots. These pilots undergo extensive training and certification to operate the advanced stealth multirole fighter aircraft effectively.

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 much does a Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot make?

F-35 test pilots, who are highly experienced military or civilian aviators, typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and employer. These pilots often hold advanced certifications and work in specialized testing environments that require extensive training and security clearances.

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.

How difficult is it to become an F-35 pilot?

Becoming an F-35 fighter pilot requires completing extensive military training, including earning a bachelor's degree, passing physical and medical exams, and completing flight training through the Air Force or Navy. Candidates must also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and meet strict performance standards throughout their training pipeline.

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.

How much does an F-35 pilot earn?

F-35 fighter pilots in the military typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. Military pilots also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement plans, and often undergo rigorous training and certification processes.
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 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.
Training Operations Manager / F-35 / Eielson AFB

Training Operations Manager / F-35 / Eielson AFB

Lockheed Martin

Eielson Air Force Base, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 383 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Description
WHO WE ARE
Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping the future of the industry. With a rich legacy of excellence and a commitment to delivering advanced capabilities to our customers, we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and engineering.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
At Lockheed Martin, we're revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world-class team of professionals. Our mission-driven approach and unwavering dedication to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver superior products and solutions to our customers around the world.
THE WORK
Position Assignment: F-35 Training Operations Manager will be located at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team to fulfill F 35 training objectives at Eielson Air Force Base.
This management position supports military pilots' flight procedures in maintaining qualification levels on the Pilot Training Device by executing approved pilot training syllabi, upgrades, and tactics training. The Training Operations Manager will provide pilot training using the F 35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS). The instructors will primarily operate the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting pilot training, tactics development, and recommendations for course ware updates.
The successful candidate will collaborate with other members of the Lockheed Martin team at dedicated training sites to meet F 35 training and continuation training objectives. He or she will implement, and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies as directed.
Required Clearance & Education
• Must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• Possess an appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with the assignment.
Additional Responsibilities
• Travel: Anticipated travel is approximately 10 %.
• Employee Engagement: Provide performance feedback to employees and engage with them on career goals and development.
• Configuration Management: Oversee implementation of updates/upgrades and closeout of applicable documentation.
• AS 9100 Compliance: Ensure the site operates within the AS 9100 guidelines and has all necessary tools, documentation, and training required for success.
• Additional duties and related responsibilities will be assigned as required.
F-35 Fast Facts
WHO YOU ARE
You are a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a passion for driving operational excellence and optimizing production processes. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are adept at managing complex projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Your strong analytical skills, coupled with your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across departments, make you an invaluable asset to our team.
WHY JOIN US
Join Lockheed Martin's innovative aerospace and defense team, enjoy professional development opportunities, collaborate with bright minds, access competitive benefits, and work with cutting-edge technology on groundbreaking projects.
Basic Qualifications
• Must have an active Secret clearance with a completed investigation within the past five years.
• Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access (or be eligible for SAP clearance).
• Experience with the F 35 Training Device in the Full Mission Simulator (FMS) and/or Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT) or comparable high fidelity simulators.
• Proven knowledge and hands on experience with simulation hardware and software (e.g., model based trainers, synthetic environments).
• Ability to read and use technical schematics, drawings, manuals, and other technical materials to resolve complex problems.
• Familiar with current instructional techniques and delivery methods related to delivering military pilot academics and simulator training
• Extensive experience in simulation based training, mission rehearsal, or aircraft systems integration for advanced fighter platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise with flight simulation software, mission planning tools, or synthetic environment development (e.g., FMS, MRT, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with military doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) related to modern fighter operations
• Demonstrated leadership aligned with Lockheed Martin core values and Full Spectrum Leadership imperatives.
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities.
• Strong leadership traits, solid organizational capability, and a high commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Experience managing operations personnel to support mission readiness at dedicated training and operational installations.
• Experience evaluating personnel performance and completing formal performance appraisals.
• Experience working in environments that require interaction with multiple functional areas and personnel from varied backgrounds.
• Willingness to support flexible work hours to align with the customer operational schedule.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
Desired skills
• In depth knowledge of applicable military publications and a solid understanding of fourth /fifth generation aircraft training operations.
• Prior experience as an F 35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) or as an F 35 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• In depth understanding of F 35 tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Knowledge of overall F 35 program requirements, including the ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System) architecture.
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $139,600 - $246,100. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $160,500 - $278,300. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912