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Flight Navigator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Metrea Management LLC

Lead Training Nav

Temecula, CA · On-site

$175K/yr

Mentor and supervise instructor navigators. * Manage flight training resources and stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology. * Integrate SMS and risk management practices ...

General Atomics

Engineer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include ... Experience as a test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined ...

General Atomics

Engineer II

Poway, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

Experience as a test conductor, test director, flight test engineer, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Force (CTF) or Integrated Test Team (ITT) is desired. * Must have a ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Flight Test Engineer / Systems Test Engineer as ... Experience as a test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Jose, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Diego, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Pomona, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Chico, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Arcata, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Bakersfield, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Northridge, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Sacramento, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Luis Obispo, CA

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

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All JobsFlight Navigator JobsFlight Navigator Jobs in California

Flight Navigator information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do flight navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight navigator in California is $22.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical working conditions and challenges faced by flight navigators?

Flight Navigators often work in the confined space of an aircraft cockpit during flights, sometimes for extended periods and in varying weather conditions. The role involves staying focused and alert to monitor navigation systems, adjust flight paths, and provide real-time support to pilots based on changing circumstances. Navigators must be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges, manage fatigue, and adapt quickly to unexpected situations such as reroutes due to weather or airspace restrictions. Collaboration with pilots and crew is constant, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to make swift decisions to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the flight navigator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Navigator, you need strong expertise in navigation, meteorology, map reading, and calculations, typically supported by relevant training from military, government, or aviation organizations. Familiarity with navigational charts, flight computers, GPS, radar, and, when required, certifications from aviation authorities are essential. Attention to detail, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are key soft skills in this position. Mastery of these competencies ensures accurate route planning, safe navigation, and efficient communication with pilots and crew, which are critical for flight safety and mission success.

How much do flight navigators make?

Flight navigators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work irregular hours or long shifts onboard aircraft or in control centers.

What is a flight navigator?

A Flight Navigator is responsible for determining an aircraft's position, planning its route, and ensuring it stays on course during flight. They use navigation instruments, maps, and sometimes celestial navigation to guide the aircraft safely to its destination. While modern aircraft rely on automated navigation systems, some military and specialized operations still use human navigators. Their role is crucial in long-haul or complex missions where GPS or automated systems may not be fully reliable.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Navigator jobs in California? For Flight Navigator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Navigator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Navigator jobs in California are:
Flight Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Navigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,041 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Flight Operations Lead Nav

Metrea Management LLC

Temecula, CA • On-site

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. 

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary 

The Flight Operations Lead Navigator is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance of our flight operations. Additionally, in this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive navigator training programs for KC-135 operations. This position requires an individual with exceptional leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of FAA regulations who will uphold the standards of Metrea's flight operations and safety procedures. This role mentors NSOs to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency.


What You’ll Do


  • Acts as a liaison between crew members and other managers.
  • May plan and modify routes for company aircraft in operations.
  • Maintain an adequate roster of properly qualified, current, and available NROs to meet company requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
  • Conduct instruction in the aircraft.
  • Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
  • Ensure that each NSO assigned to flight duty meets the applicable requirements and that the certification for these requirements is maintained in the crew member’s record.
  • Monitor NSO currency and legality and remove any NSO from the schedule before the expiration of any applicable qualification requirement.
  • Will serve as NSO in KC-135 operations, adhering to all applicable provisions and regulations.
  • Adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operation Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations, and Safety Notices.
  • Maintain all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge related to the MSM KC-135 tanker fleet.
  • Duties as assigned by Head of Flight Operations

.

What You’ll bring

  • Must be highly knowledgeable in applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Company Manuals, and all related policies and procedures.
  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • Set a high standard for providing our customers with world-class air refueling.
  • Knowledgeable on the use of Foreflight.
  • Familiarity with LMS and training software.


Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
  • Previous military Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135 desired.
  • Valid Driver’s License and Passport.
  • Ability to maintain a Secret clearance.

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance. Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements.

Role may require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR)

Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements.


AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard C-135FR aircraft.


Travel

30%




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