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Flight Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · 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 ...

Socket.dev

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · 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 ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · 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 ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$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 ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

This role sits at the center of flight operations, systems integration, mission planning, and test execution, working closely with engineering, certification, operations, and flight crews to ensure ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

This role sits at the center of flight operations, systems integration, mission planning, and test execution, working closely with engineering, certification, operations, and flight crews to ensure ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Flight Operations Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will plan, execute, and oversee flight operations for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You'll lead both developmental and ...

Long Wall

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Total Ownership - We seek engineers who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work ... TEST AND OPERATIONS ENGINEER Test and Operations Engineers are the end users and final guardians of ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology ... The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls ...

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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 Sep 12, 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 are popular job titles related to Flight Operations Engineer jobs in California?

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

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:

Flight Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Operations Engineer job openings in California as of September 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.

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

LTA Research
Aviation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about LTA Researchexternal

$115K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to operate within the Flight Test team. 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 Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. We're looking for an engineer to foster safe, effective flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans and test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground and flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.
Responsibilities
  • Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
  • Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
  • Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
  • Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
  • Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
  • Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
  • Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and 'squawks'.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Travel - Occasional.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experimental flight test experience.
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
  • Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
  • Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
  • Private Pilot or higher rating.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Aptitude with Python coding.
  • Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
  • Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
  • Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.

What We Offer!
  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge

$115,000 - $170,000 a year
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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