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Fighter Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Officer

El Paso, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Beaumont, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

San Marcos, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Arlington, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Huntsville, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Laredo, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Prairie View, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Commerce, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

Aviation Officer

Nacogdoches, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fighter Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter pilot in Texas is $121,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fighter pilot?

A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained to operate advanced aircraft in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. They are responsible for defending national airspace, engaging enemy threats, and supporting ground forces. Fighter pilots undergo rigorous training in flight maneuvers, weapons systems, and tactical operations. They must maintain peak physical and mental fitness to handle high-speed aerial combat and stressful situations. This role requires leadership, quick decision-making, and a commitment to mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fighter pilot?

To thrive as a Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional situational awareness, advanced aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and usually a bachelor's degree along with military officer training. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, avionics systems, weapon platforms, and a valid military flight certification are essential. Strong decision-making, resilience under pressure, and teamwork help pilots excel in high-stress, rapidly changing conditions. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining mission effectiveness, personal safety, and successful team operations in demanding environments.

What are the typical career progression and advancement opportunities for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots typically start as junior pilots and, with experience, can advance to leadership roles such as Flight Lead, Squadron Commander, or Instructor. Career progression often depends on demonstrated leadership, flight hours, mission performance, and ongoing training achievements. Many fighter pilots also take on additional duties, such as mission planning or training new pilots, which can further develop their career. In the long term, successful fighter pilots may transition into higher command positions, strategic planning roles, or specialized test pilot assignments within the military.

How much do fighter pilots get paid?

Fighter pilots in the military typically earn between $60,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and service branch. Civilian fighter pilots or commercial pilots with fighter jet experience can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with additional benefits and allowances for training, flight hours, and specialized skills.

Is there a demand for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots are in demand within military organizations worldwide due to ongoing defense needs and technological advancements. The demand can fluctuate based on military budgets, geopolitical factors, and the retirement of experienced pilots, making it a competitive and specialized career path that requires rigorous training and certifications. Opportunities are often available through military service, with some civilian roles in aerospace and defense industries also requiring fighter pilot skills.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Fighter Pilot jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Fighter Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Fighter Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,969 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Pilot Subject Matter Expert & Pilot Vehicle Interface Engineer

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Fort Worth, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

We are Lockheed Martin
You will be the Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) design engineer to serve in the Pilot Systems Engineering (PSE) group specializing in the F-16 program with opportunities to support 5th Generation and Advanced Development Programs (ADP).
What You Will Be Doing
As the Pilot Subject Matter Expert your responsibilities will include:
Research and design of innovative PVI mechanizations and pilot / human engineering for tactical cockpits.
Provide pilot SME support in the forms of participation in design review meetings, system test and flight test reviews, customer and program support regarding aircraft capabilities and PVI.
Work with pilots, engineers, and simulation technicians to design, implement, evaluate, and document PVI mechanizations. This includes authoring and publishing Pilot's Guides and other contract deliverables describing the enhanced aircraft capabilities.
You will be expected to:
Have a high-level knowledge of 4th Generation fighters, requiring an understanding of advanced fighter flying skills, mission systems, mission capabilities and gaps for potential growth, and basic concepts of employment in realistic combat environments.
From initial design identification to requirements development to beyond product delivery, work closely with engineering system design, system architects, software development teams, system test, and flight operations/flight test (and more) to ensure pilot SME support for product optimization.
Provide pilot SME guidance to aircraft simulations, Cockpit Review Teams (CRTs, or the like), Tech Order product support, and platform roadmap planning.
Potentially flying back seat missions
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
This position is in Fort Worth, TX Discover Fort Worth.
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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