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Flight Data Monitoring Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests. * Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed ...

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Flight Data Monitoring information

See California salary details

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How much do flight data monitoring jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight data monitoring in California is $30.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.24 and $42.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Data Monitoring position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Flight Data Monitoring, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of aviation safety standards, and often a degree in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, or a related field. Familiarity with Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) software, flight data analysis tools, and knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as EASA or FAA requirements are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with pilots and safety teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data interpretation, facilitate proactive safety measures, and foster a culture of continuous safety improvement in aviation operations.

What is the highest paying flight job?

The highest paying flight jobs are typically senior airline pilots, especially captains of large commercial aircraft, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. Factors such as experience, airline size, and type of aircraft influence compensation, and additional certifications like type ratings can enhance earning potential.

How much do flight coordinators get paid?

Flight coordinators typically earn a median annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as IATA or FAA credentials, and the complexity of the airline or organization they work for.

How much does a flight navigator make?

A flight navigator's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and location. The role requires strong navigation skills, certifications, and often involves working irregular hours and being part of a flight crew.

What is a Flight Data Monitoring job?

A Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) job involves analyzing and interpreting flight data to enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency. FDM professionals collect and process data from flight recorders to identify trends, risks, and potential hazards. They work closely with safety teams, pilots, and engineers to recommend corrective actions and improve training programs. This role helps airlines and aviation organizations comply with regulatory requirements and maintain the highest safety standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Flight Data Monitoring specialist?

A Flight Data Monitoring specialist is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing flight data to identify safety trends and potential risks. Their daily tasks often include reviewing flight records, generating safety reports, and coordinating with flight crews and safety departments to discuss findings and recommend corrective actions. The role may also involve maintaining FDM systems and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. This position requires close collaboration with various teams to support continuous safety enhancement and operational efficiency.

What is flight data monitoring?

Flight data monitoring is the process of collecting, analyzing, and reviewing flight data to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. It involves using specialized tools and software to detect anomalies, identify safety risks, and support maintenance decisions, often requiring knowledge of aviation regulations and data analysis skills.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Data Monitoring jobs in California? For Flight Data Monitoring jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Flight Data Monitoring job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,835 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Staff Flight Test Engineer

$173K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of the flight test program. Utilizing a wide range of knowledge and skill you'll be intimately involved in day-to-day operation such as developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and analyzing test data. The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight tests.  The successful candidate may be given an opportunity to lead a team of flight test engineers.Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. While the flight test team is based in California, opportunities exist for various deployment missions around the world. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headcourters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.

Responsibilities
  • As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area.
  • Collaborate with leads in the Flight Test team to implement/improve flight test processes.
  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test.
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis.
  • Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
  • Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution.
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests.
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
  • Advises the flight test pilot of the nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation.
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
Required
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • Read and speak English proficiently.
  • At least 30% travel required
Desired
  • Experience in managing a technical team.
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent, or on-the-job experience.
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar.
  • Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test.
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire.
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $173,700 - $219,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME