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F35 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supports pilot training in the F-35 simulator and academic classroom. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in ...

Qualifications: F-35 Pilot required. In-depth knowledge of F-35 aeronautics, instrumentation, and avionics systems. Established connection with Joint Program Office leadership and personnel. Team ...

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F35 Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f35 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for f35 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 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.
More about F35 Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for F35 Pilot jobs? Cities with the most F35 Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of F35 Pilot jobs? The most popular types of F35 Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most F35 Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for F35 Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various F35 Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F35 Training Operations Manager / Swidwin / Poland

Lockheed Martin

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days 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

LockheedMartin is seeking a Training Operations Manager (TOM) to support and lead F 35 training operations in Swidwin, Poland.
The selected candidate will manage and execute daily F 35 training operations team activities, support Polish Air Force (PAF) military pilots to maintain qualification levels using Full Mission Simulators (F Sim) and other F 35 Pilot Training Devices (PTDs), and assist in executing customer approved pilot training syllabi, upgrades, and tactics training. The instructor will operate the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and be an F 35 Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting pilot training and tactics development, as well as recommendations for courseware updates.
The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the LockheedMartin team at dedicated training sites to fulfill F 35 training and continuation training objectives. They will also implement and support LockheedMartin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed. The candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. They must also possess an appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.
Primary duties include
Build, coordinate and schedule daily training related activities and manage all permanent party and visiting RMS personnel.
Manage personnel hiring actions, logistical coordination for base access and badging (IVRs), Visit Access Requests (VARs), SOUU/SOUC access, lodging, and site integration.
Conduct daily, weekly and monthly coordination with the PAF to merge training priorities into a coherent, executable schedule to support customer needs and ensure contract obligations are fulfilled.
Oversee continuous training (CT) and formal syllabi course preparation, including Scenario Generation development for all training missions, briefing guide updates, and conversion of instructional materials to PAF standards.
Coordinate with PAF Training and Standardization&Evaluation personnel to ensure proper training flow and execution of customer training programs, including syllabus adherence, instructor availability, and grade sheet completion.
Manage and assist in the maintenance and advancement of the site's training devices, including courseware and IT equipment arrival and integration, hardware and software installs, configuration management, audits and related activities, as directed by the RMS Enterprise team.
Additional duties
Employee engagement: Provide performance feedback to employees and engage with them on career goals and development.
Assist in the preparation of training and maintenance schedules, compliance of personnel training records, and adherence to enterprise standards.
Evaluate and monitor students' performance from course start through graduation.
Work closely with other LockheedMartin team members at additional training sites to fulfill F 35 schoolhouse and continuation training objectives.
Implement and support LockheedMartin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed.
This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot.
The job may require a flexible work schedule to provide coverage for on site customer requirements.
Additional Responsibilities
Customer coordination with scheduling (operations and maintenance): Provide the designated customer representative with a proposed "30 90day" plan for approval of PTD utilization, including scheduled maintenance downtime.
Sortie Completion and Readiness Reporting (SCAR): Accurate and timely submission of daily and weekly training and device information.
Accompanied Status Available: Accompanied status means new hires may have qualifying dependents accompany them on their long-term overseas assignment.
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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