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Flight Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Operations Crew Chief

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

The Flight Operations Crew Chief owns aircraft readiness. You assemble, prepare, inspect, and ... Follow directions and intent from engineering personnel to make required adjustments on the fly.

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Support the execution of successful flight operations by communicating, setting test priorities and ...

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight ... TEST AND OPERATIONS ENGINEER Test and Operations Engineers are the end users and final guardians of ...

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Support the execution of successful flight operations by communicating, setting test priorities and ...

We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight ... TEST AND OPERATIONS ENGINEER Test and Operations Engineers are the end users and final guardians of ...

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight ... TEST AND OPERATIONS ENGINEER Test and Operations Engineers are the end users and final guardians of ...

Flight Software Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Our Client is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support the development and integration of ... This role spans both ground mission operations software and vehicle side embedded software, with ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

This role serves as a primary operational integrator between engineering, ground software, and flight teams, ensuring that operational constraints, procedures, risk mitigations, and readiness ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

This role serves as a primary operational integrator between engineering, ground software, and flight teams, ensuring that operational constraints, procedures, risk mitigations, and readiness ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Candidate will work with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Candidate will work with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Operations Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$117K

$257.1K

How much do flight operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight operations engineer in California is $116,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight operations engineer?

A Flight Operations Engineer ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft by analyzing flight performance, optimizing fuel usage, and creating operational procedures. They work closely with pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance teams to enhance flight planning and compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include monitoring flight data, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a flight operations engineer?

A Flight Operations Engineer is responsible for analyzing flight data, developing and validating flight plans, and optimizing aircraft performance to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations. They frequently collaborate with pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement procedural improvements. The role often involves monitoring fleet performance, updating operational manuals, and providing technical support during irregular operations or emergencies. This position offers a dynamic environment where you play a crucial part in the efficiency and safety of airline operations.

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

To thrive as a Flight Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, flight performance analysis, and operational procedures, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with aircraft performance software, flight planning tools, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as EASA Part 66 or FAA A&P are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in a highly regulated environment.

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Operations Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, and 90% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,961 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

Allen Control Systems

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a full-time role. The ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
What You'll Do
  • Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
  • Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
  • Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear).
  • Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.

What You'll Need
  • Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
  • Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.

You'll Stand Out
  • Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
  • Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
  • Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
  • Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary
  • ACS Equity Package
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1