1

F35 Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... F-35 training to pilots through both academic and simulator-based instruction, ensuring adherence to the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other ...

The F 35 Scheduling/Registrar Manager at Luke AFB, AZ leads a dedicated team of schedulers who handle all scheduling and student tracking requirements for F 35 pilot and training. This role oversees ...

As an F-35 Scheduler, you'll be at the forefront of coordinating training activities, working ... and execute pilot training schedules for programmed student training. Daily tasks include ...

The PTC Simulator Technician Supervisor provides leadership and supervision for Pilot Simulator ... F-35 Fast Facts WHY JOIN US Opportunity for Impact: Join a team that is at the forefront of ...

F35 Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do f35 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for f35 pilot in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the F35 pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an F35 Pilot, you must have advanced aviation skills, superior situational awareness, and typically hold a bachelor's degree with completion of rigorous military flight training and selection programs. Proficiency in operating the F-35’s advanced avionics, mission systems, and simulator technology, along with appropriate military certifications, is critical. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and disciplined communication are vital soft skills that enable effective operation within high-pressure and complex environments. Mastery of these abilities ensures mission success, operational safety, and seamless collaboration with maintenance crews and tactical teams.

What is an F35 pilot?

An F-35 pilot is a highly trained military aviator responsible for operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a stealth multirole fighter aircraft. They conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions, intelligence gathering, and tactical support operations. F-35 pilots undergo extensive training in flight school, simulator exercises, and live-flight drills to master advanced avionics and weapons systems. They typically serve in the Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps, executing missions that require precision, situational awareness, and quick decision-making.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for an F35 pilot?

F35 Pilots often start in operational flying roles and, with experience, may advance to positions such as instructor pilot, flight lead, or mission commander. Many also move into leadership roles in flight training, squadron operations, or strategic planning within their unit or broader military command. Additionally, experienced pilots may pursue opportunities in test piloting, acquisition programs, or staff/officer roles focusing on air operations development. These career paths allow for continued professional growth, increased responsibility, and expanded impact within the defense aviation community.

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

Becoming an F-35 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 technical skills, leadership, and adaptability, often taking several years of training and experience before qualifying to fly the F-35. The process is highly competitive and demanding, reflecting the aircraft's advanced technology and operational importance.
What are the most commonly searched types of F35 Pilot jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of F35 Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to F35 Pilot jobs in Arizona? For F35 Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for F35 Pilot jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most F35 Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various F35 Pilot job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 4% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 48% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,999 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot / Luke AFB

Lockheed Martin

Luke Air Force Base, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


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
We are seeking experienced fighter pilots to serve as Contract Instructor Pilots to support our Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business area at Luke Air Force Base
The role involves providing F-35 training to pilots through both academic and simulator-based instruction, ensuring adherence to the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team to achieve F-35 training objectives. The successful candidate will implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed. Candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. Appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.
The Contract Instructor Pilot will instruct pilots in flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training. Prepares lesson plans. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in creation of training material. Assists in the preparation of schedules, maintenance of training records and ensures that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student. Evaluates and monitors student's performance.
This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot.
WHY JOIN US
Opportunity for Impact: Join a team that is at the forefront of innovation in the aerospace and defense industry and make a significant impact on the success of our organization.
Professional Development: Take advantage of unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement within Lockheed Martin, with access to world-class training and development programs.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry who share your passion for excellence and who are committed to supporting each other's success.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as competitive salary offerings.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment where you will have the opportunity to work with the latest technology and contribute to groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of aerospace and defense.
#OneLMHotJobs
#extrefer
Basic Qualifications
• Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 5 years or be enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• Must have a minimum of 1000 hours experience in tactical fighter aircraft as a pilot.
• Must have experience as a multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with simulator devices and an understanding of fighter tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with leadership and interact with multiple functional areas and personnel of a diverse nature.
• Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits, strong oral & written communication abilities, solid ability to organize, and a high desire to provide customer satisfaction.
• Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements.
• Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule.
• Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) is required.
Desired skills
• 1000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft as a pilot is highly desired.
• Flight experience in the F-35 is highly desired.
• Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Past experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum.
• Familiarity with F-35 program requirements.
• F-35 system knowledge.
• F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience.
• Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program.
• Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with advanced systems such as NVS, targeting pods, datalinks, Helmet Mounted Cueing, and the latest weapons inventory.
• Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC).
• Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience.
• Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC); Top Gun: Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) graduate.
• Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience.
• Experience with training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and electronic grade books.
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.
*
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
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.

What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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