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First Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA

$214K - $321K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for ... Provides test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research efforts to ensure man ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for ... Provides test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research efforts to ensure man ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first ... Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems ... Drawing on experience crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during ...

PHI Health, LLC

VFR Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105.07 - $130.39/hr

Commercial and Instrument helicopter ratings (First Class Medical CAMTS requirement). * Minimum 2,000 total flight hours: 1,500 helicopter, 1,000 PIC in helicopter, 500 turbine, 100 unaided night ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems ... Drawing on experience crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Pilot JobsFirst Pilot Jobs in California

First Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do first pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for first pilot in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What first pilot jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level pilot jobs suitable for beginners include flight instructor, banner tow pilot, and aerial survey pilot, which often require a private pilot certificate and some flight hours. These roles provide practical experience and help build hours toward commercial pilot certification, with a focus on safety, communication, and aircraft handling skills.

What are some common challenges first pilots face during long-haul flights, and how are these managed on the job?

First Pilots on long-haul flights often face challenges such as fatigue management, maintaining situational awareness over extended periods, and adapting to rapidly changing weather or air traffic conditions. These are managed through regulated rest periods, effective crew resource management, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with co-pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the flight. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help First Pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations.

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

To thrive as a First Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set top pilots apart in the cockpit. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, efficient flight operations, and effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between First Pilot vs Co-Pilot?

AspectFirst PilotCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes critical decisions, oversees crewAssists the First Pilot, manages navigation and communication
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight command, safety, and decision-makingSupports the First Pilot, handles specific flight tasks

The First Pilot is the primary authority during flights, responsible for safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and supports the First Pilot in operating the aircraft. Both roles require similar certifications, but the First Pilot holds the lead position in flight operations.

What is a first pilot?

First Pilots, also known as captains, are the lead pilots responsible for commanding an aircraft during flights. They oversee all aspects of flight operations, including navigation, communication with air traffic control, and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. First Pilots have the highest authority on the aircraft and make critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They are required to have extensive flying experience, advanced training, and must hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Their leadership and expertise are essential for the safe and efficient operation of commercial and cargo flights.

What are popular job titles related to First Pilot jobs in California?

For First Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for First Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for First Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most First Pilot job openings:

First Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Staff Pilot Test

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Edwards, CA

$214K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for developmental test of military aircraft. Candidate may conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

Responsibilities include developing test techniques, assisting in cockpit/workstation design, working with flight test engineers creating test plans, developing test products, evaluating systems in the laboratory environment, simulation, ground test, flight test, and reporting on test results. Selected candidate must successfully complete initial and recurrent training and qualifications as a basis for continued employment. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

This position is located 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research efforts to ensure man-machine interface issues and requirements are identified for new or modified aircraft designs

  • Plan, develop and execute test flights on aircraft to verify airworthiness and performance capability; validate and verify compliance with specifications and to determine operational effectiveness and/or suitability

  • Partners with Flight Ops Manager and Engineering team to ensure test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations

  • Collaborates with customer pilots

  • Engage with program IPTs and REs to ensure air vehicle and ground station designs/modifications are effective and suitable

  • Provides test pilot inputs at FRR, TRRs and SRBs ensuring safe conduct of all NGAS flight test missions

  • Ensures best practices and lessons learned are shared with other program pilots

  • Provides engineering test pilot expertise and safety guidance to flight test engineers for design definition, simulator flights, test planning, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting and proposal preparation

  • Provide test pilot inputs to System Safety to ensure safe conduct of flight test missions

  • Provides pilot inputs into development of preliminary flight manuals and aircrew checklists

  • Maintain proficiencies and currencies

  • Promotes active involvement in flight test professional societies and industry forums; fully supports Test Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Flight Test Safety Summit

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor degree plus 12 years of related experience OR Master's plus 10 years of related experience OR PhD plus 9 years of related experience.

  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

  • Must have an active US Government secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

  • FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot

  • Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command

  • Current FAA Class II Medical or higher

  • Military Test Pilot School (TPS) Graduate

  • Experience in flight testing, with ability to work with engineering to develop solutions to integration issues, and to bridge between the customer users and Northrop Grumman designers

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current, proficient, and qualified in military aircraft

  • Current DoD Top Secret clearance

  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

  • Excellent communications skills, including the ability to brief test results to executive leadership

Primary Level Salary Range: $214,200.00 - $321,200.00The 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

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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

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