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Flight Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Develop and execute operational scripts and automation tools. Leverage Python and Bash scripting to build and maintain automation pipelines for telemetry analysis, command sequence validation, and ...

Located at our Flight Operation Facility in Palmdale, CA, this Flight Test Engineer position specializes in Flight Test Coordination of Developmental Test and evaluation of emerging airframe ...

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems * Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for ...

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems * Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for ...

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems * Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

FLIGHT DUTY OFFICER Palmdale, California | Full-Time | Secret Clearance Required Salary Range: $90 ... S. Air Force operations in Palmdale, California. This position serves as a central coordination ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Flight Duty Officer Reg Full Time Salary Exempt palmdale, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1071 ... S. Air Force operations in Palmdale, California. This position serves as a central coordination ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Operations information

See California salary details

$36K

$61.3K

$112.5K

How much do flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight operations in California is $61,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $60,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is flight operations?

Flight operations refer to the management and coordination of all activities involved in the planning, execution, and support of aircraft flights. This includes tasks such as flight planning, crew scheduling, dispatch, weather monitoring, and communication with air traffic control. The goal of flight operations is to ensure that flights are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with aviation regulations. Flight operations personnel play a vital role in both commercial airlines and private aviation companies, working behind the scenes to support pilots and ensure smooth flight schedules.

How does a flight operations professional typically interact with pilots and air traffic controllers during daily operations?

Flight Operations professionals serve as a crucial link between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground staff. On a daily basis, they coordinate flight plans, communicate schedule changes, and ensure pilots are updated with the latest weather and airspace information. They also liaise with air traffic controllers to manage aircraft movements and resolve any operational issues. This collaborative environment requires clear communication skills and the ability to respond quickly to dynamic situations to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

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

To thrive in Flight Operations, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, flight planning, and operational procedures, often supported by an aviation-related degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with flight planning software, air traffic control systems, and safety management systems is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in a dynamic aviation environment.

What is the difference between Flight Operations vs Flight Dispatch?

AspectFlight OperationsFlight Dispatch
CertificationsOften requires airline-specific training, sometimes a commercial pilot licenseRequires dispatch or aviation safety certifications
Work EnvironmentInvolves coordination with pilots, ground staff, and management at airline offices or airportsPrimarily office-based, working closely with pilots and airline operations teams
ResponsibilitiesOversees flight planning, crew scheduling, and operational compliancePrepares flight plans, calculates fuel, and ensures regulatory compliance for flights
Industry UsageUsed across airlines, corporate flight departments, and charter servicesPrimarily employed by airlines and charter operators for flight planning

Flight Operations and Flight Dispatch are closely related roles within the aviation industry. Flight Operations manages overall flight activities, including crew and safety oversight, while Flight Dispatch focuses on flight planning and regulatory compliance. Both roles require specialized certifications and work collaboratively to ensure safe and efficient flights.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Operations job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,251 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Manager Flight Operations 1

Edwards, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Flight Operations Manager 1 to provide objective-oriented direction and work assignments to team members utilizing management guidelines & general policies in support of aircraft test operations.

This position will be primarily a 4/10 shift position with expectations to support alternative shifts based on business needs, based at Edwards AFB, CA.

The selected candidate will oversee day-to-day operations for Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) maintenance.

The selected candidate will be required to build, lead, and sustain effective teams that support program goals.

The selected candidate will work alongside Northrop Grumman and U.S. Government personnel.

Responsibilities include:

  • Operations Management: Planning program performance, addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and full responsibility for all aspects of program operational performance on a mid-size technical services-type contract.
  • Create, implement, and enforce required processes and procedures for team effectiveness and accountability.
  • Oversees projects and tasks assigned to the organizational group performed by non-exempt and/or exempt employees. Functions as an advisor regarding tasks, projects, and operations. Becomes actively involved in daily operations only when required to meet schedules or to resolve complex problems.
  • Executes departmental procedures that typically affect individual employees within own department. Policy management: Interprets and executes policies and procedures that typically affect subordinate organizational units. Recommend modifications to operating policies.
  • Ensures that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Accomplishes results through lower-level subordinate supervisors or through experienced exempt employees who exercise significant latitude and independence in their assignments.
  • Maintains frequent interaction with internal personnel and outside customer representatives at various management levels concerning operations or scheduling or specific phases of projects or contracts. Conducts briefings and participates in technical meetings for internal & external representatives concerning specifics operations.
  • The candidate will be responsible to the Site Manager for the daily operations of support functions supporting flight test operations.The candidate will be directly involved with the team and is responsible for the oversight of direct reports, assignment of work, setting schedules, directing day-to-day workflow, addressing personnel concerns, and approving timecards for both exempt & non-exempt personnel.
  • May originate support plans for offer to potential customers and provide technical assistance to existing customer personnel. May forecast and manage budget system.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and 8 years of relevant experience in flightline and support equipment operations. Will consider a bachelor's degree with 6 years of applied experience; or a master's degree with 4 years of applied experience
  • Team leadership and team management experience required.
  • Experience in two or more of the following: electrical, fluid dynamics, diesel engines, HVAC, cryogenics, and turbines.
  • Must be able to direct day-to-day workflow and make decisions relating to the performance, expectations, and responsibilities of your team.
  • Experience in establishing and maintaining operational work schedules.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, off-shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must be a US citizen and possess an active, in-scope US Government Secret Security Clearance with a current investigation date that is within 5 years. Secret Clearance required to start.
  • Must be able to obtain Program Access within 180 days of submission. Program Access required to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 10+ years' experience of specialized, relevant experience in two or more of the following: aircraft, manufacturing, production, flight line, customer service, and/or tool crib experience.
  • Experience in standing up and sustaining new operations and areas to support test organizations.
  • Experience in leading effective teams to complete mission objectives. Proficiency in risk mitigation techniques and process improvement and efficiency modifications.
  • Proficiency in using inventory, supply, material, and logistics databases: SAP, Maximo, SPA, Passport, etc.
  • Proficiency in using and managing material and logistics databases: FMT, MES, IMDS, G081, TCMAX, EESOHMIS, etc.
  • Experience identifying and procuring consumables, HAZMAT, tooling, and spare parts required for specific operations.
  • Experience managing programs, to include warehouse inventory, tool control, HAZMAT, and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience in asset management and related configurations.
  • Experience in analyzing technical orders, CAD drawings, and engineering diagrams to determine appropriate spares listing for ground support equipment inspections and maintenance.
  • Management of maintenance data integrity program. Skilled at managing review processes for released engineering data and coordinating changes with engineering, quality, support, and engineering data control activities.
  • Experience drafting Basis of Estimate (BOE) & Request for Proposal documents.
  • Experience establishing baseline & re-baseline of labor, materials, and Other-Direct Costs (ODC's) for statement of work efforts and proposals.
  • Experience forecasting manpower requirements, creating staffing plans, and creating material Bill of Materials (BOM) to support future work efforts.
  • Experienced in authoring business proposals, drafting process management guides, and creating work instructions. Data Ascension Library experience.
  • Experienced with Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Variance Analysis Reports, and EAC reviews.
  • Possess an active, in-scope DoD Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • Currently hold relevant special program accesses.
Primary Level Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $165,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939