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Fighter Jet Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solcoa Industries

R&D Technician

Alameda, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/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 ...

Solcoa Industries

R&D Technician

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

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Alameda, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

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

R&D Technician

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

Pilot Plant Operator

Alameda, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/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 ...

Solcoa Industries

Research Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Making the Metals Powering the World Solcoa exists to stabilize the western rare-earth metal supply chain-powering every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, phone, and generator. We're among the very few ...

Solcoa Industries

Technical Recruiter

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/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 ...

Solcoa Industries

Pilot Plant Manager

Alameda, CA · On-site

$140 - $230/hr

... 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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 30, 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 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 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 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 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 jobs work on fighter jets?

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

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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

R&D Technician

Solcoa Industries

Alameda, CA • On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

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.
The Role - R&D Technician
We're looking for R&D Technicians to operate, maintain, and improve our production lines. You'll run high-temperature and vacuum reactor systems, build and assemble components, execute test plans, and keep the plant humming safely and reliably. You'll work closely with engineers and machinists to translate concepts into robust, repeatable operations.
What You'll Do
  • Operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and related process equipment to produce rare-earth metals.
  • Assemble, retrofit, and help build reactor subsystems and fixtures; perform basic fabrication and shop work.
  • Execute SOPs, test plans, and trial runs; capture data and observations with precision.
  • Monitor process parameters, diagnose issues, and perform first-line troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
  • Handle materials safely (hot parts, inert gases, powders) and maintain a clean, organized work area.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement: propose upgrades, document changes, and help implement fixes quickly.
  • Collaborate with engineers on experiments and scale-up activities; provide practical feedback from the floor.
What You Bring
Required
  • Hands-on fabrication experience (basic machining, assembly; welding is a plus).
  • Experience operating high-temperature or vacuum systems (reactors, furnaces, gloveboxes, pumps, or similar).
  • Mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools, rigging, and safe equipment handling.
  • Detail-orientation and rigorous adherence to SOPs, safety, and documentation.
  • Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
  • Availability to start soon.

Preferred
  • Experience building or assisting in the build of high-temperature reactors or vacuum subsystems.
  • Basic CAD familiarity (Fusion or similar) for simple prints/markups.
  • Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-provided lunch daily
  • Visa sponsorship available if needed

Apply