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First Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This role is for pilots first. You bring deep UAS operational experience, sharp situational awareness, and the discipline to run repeatable test operations safely. The engineering curiosity is a ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Pilot 2/3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $206K/yr

... first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for ... Pilots are home almost every night, off on weekends, have an advanced one month work schedule. Must ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

... 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 ...

STS Aviation Group

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105.07 - $130.39/hr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 100 Hours Unaided Night Operations -- or ...

Northrop Grumman

Pilot 2/3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $206K/yr

... first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for ... Pilots are home almost every night, off on weekends, have an advanced one month work schedule. Must ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Pilot 2/3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $206K/yr

... first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for ... Pilots are home almost every night, off on weekends, have an advanced one month work schedule. Must ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

... 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

... 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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

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 ...

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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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Pilot

Poseidon Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:
Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft - capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.
As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. Flying is your primary function, you own the aircraft from preflight to post-flight, and when you're not in the air, you're supporting the test team on the ground to make sure the next flight is ready to go.
This role is for pilots first. You bring deep UAS operational experience, sharp situational awareness, and the discipline to run repeatable test operations safely. The engineering curiosity is a bonus, stick time is the foundation.
Flying responsibilities
  • Serve as RPIC for all Poseidon aircraft during developmental flight testing and operational demonstrations
  • Execute flight test cards with precision, maintaining awareness of vehicle state, airspace, and test objectives throughout each sortie
  • Lead preflight briefings and postflight debriefings with the test team
  • Conduct flight readiness reviews and make go/no-go decisions based on aircraft status, weather, and airspace conditions
  • Maintain and apply SOPs, emergency checklists, and crew resource management practices on every flight
  • Provide structured debrief reports including anomalies, out-of-limits observations, and qualitative flight assessment

Ground support responsibilities
When not flying, you'll work alongside the test team to keep operations moving.
  • Support ground operations, range setup, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns
  • Assist in developing and maintaining flight test plans, SOPs, and operational documentation
  • Coordinate airspace authorizations, COA applications, and range scheduling
  • Review flight data logs to flag anomalies and provide pilot perspective to engineering teams
  • Help configure and verify aircraft systems prior to flight, working alongside avionics and propulsion engineers
  • Contribute to the development of operational concepts for autonomous and remote-piloted missions

Required qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience as RPIC for UAS or RPAS platforms in operational or test environments
  • FAA Part 107 certification; familiarity with COA processes and experimental aircraft operations
  • FAA Part 61 or Part 141 certificated pilot (Private, Commercial, or ATP) with multi-engine privileges
  • Strong working knowledge of airspace coordination, mission planning, and preflight risk assessment
  • Ability to execute disciplined, repeatable test operations in dynamic field environments
  • Clear, structured communicator - comfortable leading briefs and debriefs with mixed engineering and operations audiences
  • At ease with evolving aircraft configurations and startup-level operational tempo

Bonus points for
  • RPIC experience on large or complex UAS platforms (Group 3-5, e.g., Reaper, Global Hawk, or comparable)
  • Familiarity with telemetry systems, GCS interfaces, and autopilot behavior in test configurations
  • Experience supporting field test campaigns for new or developmental aircraft platforms
  • Exposure to flight test instrumentation, data logging, or postflight analysis workflows
  • Knowledge of simulation environments used for mission rehearsal or systems testing
  • Aerospace, systems, or mechanical engineering background

What you get from us
  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Employee Health Benefit Plans
  • 6% Retirement matching
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

Apply