1

Flight Operations Coordinator Jobs in California

Directs and coordinates through Flight Dispatcher's and subordinate personnel, flight operation and control activities of regional stations. Experience required * Experience of Five years in Flight ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

The FDO will serve as a key operational support resource responsible for coordinating daily flight operations, verifying aircrew readiness, supporting mission scheduling activities, and maintaining ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The FDO will serve as a key operational support resource responsible for coordinating daily flight operations, verifying aircrew readiness, supporting mission scheduling activities, and maintaining ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Operations Coordinator information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$49.8K

$66.6K

How much do flight operations coordinator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight operations coordinator in California is $49,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $61,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a flight operations coordinator do?

A Flight Operations Coordinator is responsible for organizing and managing various aspects of flight operations within an airline or aviation company. Their duties typically include scheduling flights, coordinating with pilots and crew, monitoring flight plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and communicating with air traffic control and ground staff. They play a key role in ensuring flights operate safely, efficiently, and on time. This position requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures.

What does a flight operations coordinator do?

A flight operations coordinator works in an airport control tower to ensure all aspects of takeoff and landing proceed safely and according to standard procedures. Your duties include checking all flight records and navigation, monitoring all aircraft from the moment they leave the airport until they arrive at their scheduled destination, and providing oversight and assistance to all ground crews responsible for handling and refueling the planes. Your responsibilities also include keeping flight crews informed about scheduling and delays that affect their flights as well as weather information they may face during flight.

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

To thrive as a Flight Operations Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of aviation regulations, often supported by a degree in aviation management or related field. Familiarity with flight planning software, scheduling systems, and regulatory tools like NOTAMs is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work well under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure flight schedules are safely and efficiently managed, minimizing disruptions and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by flight operations coordinators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Flight Operations Coordinators often encounter challenges such as last-minute schedule changes, weather disruptions, and coordination between multiple departments like maintenance and crew scheduling. Effective management requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize under pressure. Utilizing industry-standard software and maintaining clear channels with pilots, ground staff, and regulatory authorities helps ensure smooth operations even during unexpected events.

What is the difference between Flight Operations Coordinator vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectFlight Operations CoordinatorFlight Dispatcher
CertificationsOften requires FAA or equivalent certifications, relevant licensesRequires FAA dispatch license or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentTypically works in airline offices, coordinating flight schedules and logisticsWorks closely with pilots, monitoring weather, flight plans, and safety
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, corporate flight departments, charter servicesPrimarily employed by airlines and charter operators

Both roles involve flight safety and scheduling, but Flight Operations Coordinators focus on overall flight logistics and coordination, while Flight Dispatchers concentrate on flight planning, weather analysis, and safety compliance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the aviation industry.

Are flight operations coordinators in demand?

Flight operations coordinators are in demand due to the ongoing need for efficient airline and aviation company management. The role requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and familiarity with flight scheduling and safety procedures, making it a stable career option in the aviation industry.

How do you become a flight operations coordinator?

To become a flight operations coordinator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in aviation, logistics, or a related field, along with experience in airline or aviation operations. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, and familiarity with flight planning software and safety regulations is often required.

How much do flight operations coordinators make in the US?

Flight operations coordinators in the US typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer size. The role often requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and proficiency with scheduling and communication tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Flight Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Operations Coordinator jobs in California?

For Flight Operations Coordinator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Operations Coordinator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Operations Coordinator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Operations Coordinator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Operations Coordinator job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Operations Coordinator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,838 per year, or $24 per hour.

Flight Operations Lead Captain

Temecula, CA โ€ข On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 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 Captain is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance of our flight 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 oversees and vectors pilots to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency and assists the Head of Flight Operations on administrative and operational tasks.


In addition to these leadership responsibilities, the position also serves as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of Metrea Strategic Mobility’s KC-135 tanker aircraft. In this capacity, the individual exercises final authority for the safe and compliant operation of assigned missions, leads flight crews through all phases of flight, and ensures strict adherence to FAA regulations, company policies, operational specifications, and contractual requirements. PIC responsibilities include mission planning and execution, sound aeronautical decision-making consistent with the SMS, and the completion of post-flight duties. The role requires maintaining all required qualifications, training, certifications, and currency, and performing additional flight-related duties as assigned.


What You’ll Do


  • Responsible for the Pilot Records Database (PRD) process, in determining hiring eligibility for crew members.
  • 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 pilots to meet company requirements.
  • Ensure that each pilot assigned to flight duty meets the applicable requirements and that the certification for these requirements is maintained in the crew member’s record.
  • Monitor pilot currency and legality and remove any pilot from the schedule before the expiration of any applicable qualification requirement.
  • Will serve as PIC 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), Metrea Manuals, and all related policies and procedures.
  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience.
  • 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.


Additional Eligibility Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or 10 years equivalent experience.
  • ATP Multi-Engine Land with B-707/B-720 Type Ratings (Restricted ATP permissible).
  • Previous USAF Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135 desired
  • Valid Driver’s License and US Passport.
  • Ability to maintain Top 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 including 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 a U.S. citizen.

Ability to maintain Top Secret clearance throughout employment.

Role requires adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).


AAP/EEO Statement

The 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 as well as inflight on the KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft.


Travel

30%