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F35 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer Principal

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

Serve as the F-35 Pilot Systems Software Architect. In this role, the candidate will drive the F-35 display software architecture decisions for all F-35 contracts. The candidate will be responsible ...

Employee the F-22 and F-35 simulator at a four-ship flight lead level. Simulate adversary tactics ... pilot in fighter aircraft Work Environment: Position is not eligible for remote work; on-site ...

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 ...

What We're Doing We're advancing the cybersecurity posture of the F-35 Pilot Training Devices (PTD) - critical systems that ensure pilots are prepared for mission success. Our cyber team protects the ...

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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 Jun 9, 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.

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F-35 Software Engineer (Simulation)

F-35 Software Engineer (Simulation)

Lockheed Martin

Orlando, FL

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description


WHAT WE'RE DOING
Rotary and Mission Systems' Training, Logistics and Simulation (TLS) business is Lockheed Martin's center of excellence for training and logistics products and services, serving the U.S. military and more than 65 international customers around the world. Based in Orlando, TLS develops programs that teach service men and women skills to accomplish their most challenging missions - flying the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, navigating ships and driving armored vehicles.
TLS is the corporation's hub for simulation, X reality, live-virtual-constructive capabilities, advanced training devices and full-service training programs. TLS also provides sustainment services such as supply chain and logistics IT solutions, spares and repairs, as well as automated test and support equipment.
THE WORK
This is a position for a Software Engineer on F35 Pilot Training Devices (PTD) as part of the Weapons Integrated Product Team (IPT)
Plan, conduct, and coordinate software development activities.
Design, develop, document, test, and debug software that solves business/mission problems using logical and mathematical methods.
Apply established standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the development life cycle.
Translate high level requirements into detailed software specifications and design documents.
Design, code, and unit test C/C++ components for real time or safety critical applications.
Develop and execute test plans (unit, integration, system verification) and record results.
Participate in all SDLC phases: requirements analysis, architecture/design, implementation, integration, verification, and hand off to production.
Identify and correct program errors; create clear operating instructions and comprehensive development documentation.
Analyze system capabilities to clarify program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls.
Ensure all software deliverables meet required quality and compliance standards.
This position requires a candidate who is a U.S. Citizen and has the ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance prior to start. The role is located at a facility that requires special access.
WHO WE ARE
The Pilot Training Devices (PTD) team creates flight simulators for the F35 fighter jet. The Weapons Integrated Product Team is responsible for the Weapon Simulation software across all of our PTD products.
WHO YOU ARE
You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and are committed to delivering best-in-class products and solutions.
This position will require the selected candidate to have or obtain an Interim Secret level U.S. government security clearance before starting with Lockheed Martin, as well as obtain a Special Access Program U.S. government security clearance within a reasonable time after starting the position. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for consideration.
WHY JOIN US
Join us if you are passionate about saving lives through mission readiness. Be a part of a team that values speed, agility, affordability, and disruptive technologies. If you are excited about transforming sustainment and training solutions and working with a talented team to reimagine the future, we invite you to contribute your leadership skills and technical expertise to our mission.

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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