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F35 Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$85K - $158K/yr

THE WORK F-35 Pilot Training Center Logistics Representative will provide technical services required to perform supply operations supporting F-35 Maintenance and Pilot Training. These tasks include ...

$72K - $134K/yr

As an F-35 Scheduler, you'll be at the forefront of coordinating training activities, working ... Previous customer service experience associated with pilot, maintenance, or curriculum management ...

F35 Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do f35 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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.

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 for an F-35 assignment.

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 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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Instruct pilots in flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training.

  • Prepare lesson plans, evaluate and monitor students' performance, and ensure training standards and objectives are met.

  • Collaborate with the training team to achieve F-35 training objectives and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies.


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard 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. Pay Information $107.08 - $107.08 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed 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(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. Additional specific benefits are dependent upon the business unit and the collective-bargaining agreement. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics. For (Washington state applicants only) 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.

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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