ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Flight Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Busek Co Inc

Propulsion Test Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

Busek's accomplishments include: the first US Hall Effect Thruster in space, the first Micro-PPT Thrusters, and the first flight Electrospray Thrusters. Our present efforts span high-volume and low ...

Busek

Propulsion Test Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

Busek's accomplishments include: the first US Hall Effect Thruster in space, the first Micro-PPT Thrusters, and the first flight Electrospray Thrusters. Our present efforts span high-volume and low ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFirst Flight Jobs

First Flight information

See salary details

$14

$28

$47

How much do first flight jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for first flight in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Officer (Airline Pilot), and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Officer, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong understanding of aviation regulations, and proven flight experience. Proficiency with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and aircraft-specific simulators is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help you manage cockpit responsibilities and coordinate with crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations.

What are some challenges that First Flight attendants commonly face during their shifts, and how can new hires prepare for them?

First Flight attendants often encounter challenges such as managing passenger safety, handling difficult customer situations, and adapting to irregular schedules. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills, practicing patience under pressure, and becoming familiar with safety protocols. Building resilience and staying adaptable are key to thriving in this fast-paced environment, where teamwork and effective collaboration with pilots and other crew members are essential for a smooth flight operation.

What are First Flight jobs?

First Flight jobs typically refer to positions involved in the operation, coordination, and support of an aircraft’s inaugural flight or the early stages of a new airline or aviation company's operations. These roles can include pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, maintenance technicians, and administrative staff who ensure that a new route, aircraft, or service is launched safely and efficiently. Employees in these positions play a critical role in establishing procedures, maintaining safety standards, and providing excellent customer service during the initial phase of operations. Working on a first flight can be exciting and challenging, as it often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues and adapting quickly to new protocols.

What is the difference between First Flight vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFirst FlightFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, airline-specific certificationSafety training, customer service certification
Work EnvironmentAirport ground operations, airline training centersIn-flight, airports, customer service roles
Industry UsageEntry-level role for new airline staffIn-flight service and passenger safety

First Flight typically refers to the initial flight experience or training for airline staff, whereas Flight Attendant is a role focused on passenger service and safety during flights. While both roles involve airline operations, First Flight is often associated with training or the first time flying, and Flight Attendant is a specific job position within the airline industry.

More about First Flight jobs
What cities are hiring for First Flight jobs? Cities with the most First Flight job openings:
What states have the most First Flight jobs? States with the most job openings for First Flight jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Flight jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Flight jobs are:
First Flight jobs near you
Flight Test Technician 3/4-Active Secret Clearance Required

Flight Test Technician 3/4-Active Secret Clearance Required

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Technician 3/Flight Test Technician 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be based out of Palmdale, CA.
The selected candidate will be assigned as a flight test technician which is a 100% on-site role at Palmdale, CA.
Please note: A start date, for candidates selected, will be determined after obtaining Special Program Access (SAP).
Potential shifts: Times may vary:
  • 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm
  • 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Su) Split:12 pm -10:30pm

Responsibilities Include:
  • Test, troubleshooting, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems including, but not limited to fuel, hydraulics, ECS, flight controls, propulsion, landing gear, CNI, and ground support equipment.
  • Operate ground equipment, aerospace systems checkout, perform pre and post-use inspections, service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other requirements as necessary.
  • Other responsibilities may include the application of materials, appliqués, coatings, decals, primer, and paint.
  • Read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.
  • Execute testing in accordance with direction provided by senior technician/engineering staff
  • Conducting tests and reporting data in the prescribed format, using predetermined methods, sequences, and setups to inspect or test specific equipment or products.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends as required
  • Adhere to all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety guidelines and regulations
  • Work and communicate over ambient noise
  • Work in a variety of work spaces/positions. Work spaces may include but are not limited to small, enclosed spaces, awkward, and elevated spaces. Positions may include bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, ascending/descending ladders, and/or working overhead.

We offer multiple shift options, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
This role will be filled at either a Flight Test Technician 3 or 4 based on the relevant experience required for each role.
Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 3:
  • High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of related experience.
  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to aircraft electrical systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
  • The ability to obtain Special Programs Access (SAP) prior to the commencement of employment, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.

Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 4:
  • High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of related experience.
  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to aircraft electrical systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
  • The ability to obtain Special Programs Access (SAP) prior to the commencement of employment, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active In-Scope Program Access.
  • Developmental or Production test experience
  • Mix of back shop and flightline maintenance experience
  • Familiarity with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance concepts
  • Must be able to lead and train lower-level employees
  • Familiarity with Maintenance Data Collection systems (MES, FMT, CAMS, etc.)
  • Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.

What We Offer:
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!
Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply