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First Flight Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft. * Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems. * Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft. * Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems. * Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft ...

First Tek

Material Handler 2

Arizona City, AZ · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

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 ...

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First Flight information

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How much do first flight jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various First Flight job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

LTA Research

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. 

We’re looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test ‘firsts’ and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.

Responsibilities
  • Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
  • Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
  • Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
  • Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
  • Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
  • Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
  • Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and ‘squawks’.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Travel – Occasional.  
Qualifications
  • 1-3+ years of experimental flight test experience.
  • Bachelor’s or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
  • Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
  • Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
  • Private Pilot or higher rating.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Aptitude with Python coding.
  • Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
  • Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
  • Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
What We Offer!
  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
 
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.