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Flight Instructor Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Senior E-130J Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Prior Category C/D flight test experience on C-130 aircraft * Experience supporting weapons separation, envelope expansion, flying qualities, or mission systems testing * Instructor Pilot, Check ...

Prior Category C/D flight test experience on C-130 aircraft * Experience supporting weapons separation, envelope expansion, flying qualities, or mission systems testing * Instructor Pilot, Check ...

Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms. * Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to ... instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS. * This ...

FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME OR CONTRACT TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100% OCONUS CLEARANCE TYPE: SECRET This position may be filled as a full-time employee or ...

Military Security Officer

Huntingtown, MD

$18 - $22.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Lusby, MD

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Oak Grove, VA

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See California, MD salary details

$24K

$90.7K

$139.4K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in California, MD is $90,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $107,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight instructor?

A Flight Instructor teaches students to fly an aircraft utilizing in-class instruction, a flight simulator, and through test airplane flights. Flight Instructors train students on the physics of aerodynamics, how to manage the navigation and emergency systems, and provide pre- and post-flight checklists. The training process also covers radio procedures and includes practice flights. Flight Instructors are certified pilots themselves, often with hundreds or thousands of hours of flight time, and must remain current on all training and requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Instructor, you need comprehensive aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather systems, and logbook management software is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles are crucial soft skills. These capabilities ensure effective and safe pilot training, fostering student confidence and aviation safety standards.

What are some common challenges flight instructors face when working with student pilots, and how can they address them?

Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying learning styles and confidence levels, which can make it challenging to tailor lessons effectively. Weather conditions and scheduling constraints can also disrupt training plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability. To address these challenges, instructors regularly assess each student's progress, adapt their teaching techniques, and maintain clear communication to ensure safety and comprehension. Building rapport and fostering a supportive learning environment helps students overcome anxiety and develop their skills more effectively.

What is the difference between Flight Instructor vs Pilot?

AspectFlight InstructorPilot
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, instructional settingsAirlines, charter companies, cargo, private flights
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training academies, flight schoolsAirlines, charter services, corporate aviation

While both Flight Instructors and Pilots operate aircraft, Flight Instructors focus on training and certifying new pilots, requiring specific instructional certifications. Pilots typically operate aircraft for transportation or commercial purposes, holding higher-level licenses. The roles often overlap in aircraft operation but differ mainly in purpose and certification requirements.

What cities near California, MD are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,673 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Senior E-130J Pilot

KBR, Inc.

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

$171K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Senior E-130J Pilot
KBR is seeking a highly qualified Senior C/KC-130J Pilot to join the E-130J Integrated Test Team supporting Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), NAS Patuxent River, MD. In this role, you will support developmental flight test operations as part of a multidisciplinary team composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel. You will contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of complex flight test activities while ensuring adherence to safety, airworthiness, and mission requirements. As a member of KBR's aircrew services team, you will support one of the nation's premier flight test organizations delivering critical capabilities to government and commercial customers. This position plays a key role in advancing test programs and ensuring mission success across a dynamic operational environment.
Job Description:
  • Serve as a Category C/D Test Pilot and Aircraft Commander for E-130J flight test operations
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute developmental and functional flight test missions in support of program objectives
  • Perform Test Project Officer duties, including development of test plans, test procedures, and mission documentation
  • Direct aircraft operations planning, scheduling, execution, and reporting for assigned flight test activities
  • Conduct post-maintenance check flights and support mission systems and aircraft performance evaluations
  • Provide instruction and standardization support across applicable mission sets once qualified
  • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and government stakeholders to support integrated test operations
  • Participate in mission briefings, debriefings, and technical reviews to ensure data integrity and program success
  • Travel up to 25% in support of flight test operations and program requirements
  • Other duties as assigned in support of mission and business requirements

Basic Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering. Graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER
  • Experience: Minimum 10 years of aviation experience with at least 3 years as a Test Project Officer in military test and evaluation. Minimum 1,000 flight hours in C-130 aircraft and designation as Aircraft Commander.
  • Flight Hours/Certifications/Designations Required: FAA Commercial Pilot License with Multi-Engine Land rating and Instrument certification (or military equivalent). Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II medical certificate. Must have current or previous FAA or Military instrument flight rule certification. Must meet current CNAF 3710.7 series physical and physiological minimums for C-130 T/M/S aircrew positions. Individuals must be able to pass the physical and training qualification requirements to provide contract aircrew support, including completion of survival and aviation physiology training.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Must have a current DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Contract requires US Citizenship. Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Engineering or related field
  • A minimum of 2,00 flight hours as Pilot-in-Command
  • Prior Category C/D flight test experience on C-130 aircraft
  • Experience supporting weapons separation, envelope expansion, flying qualities, or mission systems testing
  • Instructor Pilot, Check Pilot, or Type/Model/Series Instructor designation in C/KC-130 aircraft

Compensation: $171,400 - $240,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
KBR Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998