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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 Jul 21, 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 F-35 Pilot job?

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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 67% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 4% Physical, and 96% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Pilot Fit Operations Asc. Manager

Pilot Fit Operations Asc. Manager

Lockheed Martin

Beaufort, SC • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 389 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 61 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.
THE WORK
This position will have dual responsibilities:
Position Overview
The PFF Operations Manager will assume dual responsibilities in the performance of duties as the Beaufort Pilot Fit Facility Site Lead and the Global Pilot Fit Facility (PFF) Operations manager. In Beaufort, the role oversees all pilot fit facility activities at MCAS Beaufort, SC, coordinating with the local customer, LM Site Lead, Academic Training Center Manager, and schedulers to support United States Marine Corps F-35 pilot throughput. Globally, the manager directs PFF operations across all CONUS and OCONUS F-35 pilot fit facilities, focusing on leadership, people management, enforcing operational policy, strategy, supply chain, and project management to ensure seamless delivery of pilot-fitting services worldwide while acting as the liaison between operational, logistical and program management pilot flight equipment IPT.
________________________________________
Core Responsibilities
1. Leadership & People Management
Direct, coordinate, and exercise functional authority for all PFF and Pilot Flight Equipment (PFE) personnel (recruitment, onboarding, training, performance assessments, work assignments, compensation, and recognition/disciplinary actions).
Inspire and develop the PFF and PFE organization to achieve high performance standards while embodying LockheedMartin's core values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, and Teamwork.
2. Operational Policy & Strategy
Formulate, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and best practices for every CONUS and OCONUS PFF location.
Make strategic decisions on capacity planning, facility utilization, and training mission integration in close collaboration with the Logistics and Program Management team.
Work with the PFF Scheduler to coordinate Day1 and Day2 fittings for USMC pilots, ensuring seamless hand off from ATC schedules.
Manage inventory of Below the Neck (BTN) and Above the Neck (HMD) assets, track pilot throughput, and support ALIS profile updates for component removal/installation.
3. Project Management
Lead or support all PFF related projects (facility upgrades, equipment refreshes, new site stand ups) from concept through close out.
Develop detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies; monitor milestones and report status to senior leadership.
Coordinate cross functional teams (Engineering, Logistics, IT, Training, Customer Representatives) to ensure deliveries are met on time, within scope, and within budget.
4. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate regular customer reviews, capture feedback, and translate requirements into actionable improvement plans.
5. Continuous Improvement & Compliance
Conduct periodic performance reviews, root cause analyses, and corrective action processes to drive operational excellence.
Ensure all PFF activities comply with LockheedMartin corporate policies, government contract terms, and applicable safety and quality standards (ISO9001, AS9100).

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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