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Fighter Jet Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solcoa Industries

Your Dream Job

Alameda, CA · On-site

We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than ...

Solcoa Industries

Your Dream Job

Alameda, CA · On-site

We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than ...

Solcoa Industries

Your Dream Job

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, and phone. For decades, the West has depended on China to produce these materials. Solcoa is rebuilding that supply chain at home: we're one of the very few ...

Solcoa Industries

Mechanical Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Jose, CA

Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet. AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet. AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Northridge, CA · On-site

Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet. AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet. AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Luis Obispo, CA

Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet. AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER ...

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All JobsFighter Jet JobsFighter Jet Jobs in California

Fighter Jet information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do fighter jet jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter jet in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs work on fighter jets?

Jobs that work on fighter jets include aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, avionics technicians, and pilots. These roles involve designing, repairing, and operating fighter jets, often requiring specialized training, certifications, and working in military or defense industry environments.

What is the difference between Fighter Jet vs Pilot?

AspectFighter JetPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot training, aviation licenses, specialized fighter jet trainingCommercial or private pilot licenses, flight training, aviation certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary airbases, combat zones, training facilitiesAirlines, private companies, charter services, airports
Industry UsageMilitary defense, combat missions, air superiorityPassenger transport, cargo, private flying

While both Fighter Jets and pilots involve aviation skills, Fighter Jets refer to military aircraft operated by trained military pilots for defense and combat, whereas pilots can also include commercial or private pilots flying non-military aircraft. The key differences lie in training, work environment, and industry focus.

What is a fighter jet?

Fighter jets are fast, highly maneuverable military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft. They are equipped with advanced avionics, powerful engines, and a variety of weapons systems, allowing them to engage enemy targets in the air and sometimes on the ground. Fighter jets play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority during military operations and can also perform reconnaissance and ground attack missions. Modern fighter jets are often equipped with stealth technology, making them less detectable by radar.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fighter jet pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fighter Jet Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, superior physical fitness, and completion of rigorous military flight training programs. Proficiency with avionics systems, navigation technology, and weapons control systems is typically required, often supported by military certifications such as completion of Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring mission success, personal safety, and effective team operations in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by fighter jet pilots during training and in active duty?

Fighter jet pilots often face intense physical and mental challenges, including mastering complex aircraft systems, maintaining situational awareness at high speeds, and enduring high G-forces during maneuvers. Training is rigorous and ongoing, requiring quick decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, pilots must work closely with ground crews, air traffic controllers, and mission planners to ensure safety and mission success. Balancing these demands with personal resilience and teamwork is key to thriving in this high-stakes role.
What are popular job titles related to Fighter Jet jobs in California? For Fighter Jet jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fighter Jet jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fighter Jet jobs in California are:
Fighter Jet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fighter Jet job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Your Dream Job

Solcoa Industries

Alameda, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

The posting we didn't know we should write
If you're exceptional at something and believe it belongs at Solcoa, don't wait for us to figure out the job title. Tell us what the role is. Make the case.
Making the Metals Powering the World
Solcoa is building the next generation of American metalmaking, starting with rare earths - the metals of power and motion. We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than any conventional process. Now we're scaling it to thousands of tonnes of annual production.

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