1

Flight Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Operations Coordinator

Chino, CA ยท On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Schedule, monitor, and oversee all flight operations for aircraft. * Act as the department's main point of contact for pilots, maintenance, and ground support and communicate any irregularities ...

Flight Follower

Van Nuys, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Solves operational problems caused by cancellations, delays, diversions, and mechanical ...

Flight Follower

Van Nuys, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Solves operational problems caused by cancellations, delays, diversions, and mechanical ...

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Solves operational problems caused by cancellations, delays, diversions, and mechanical ...

The position requires a deep understanding of flight test operations and advanced organization, communication, and time management skills.. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the planning and execution of ...

Deployed Flight Test Engineer

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$101K - $125K/yr

Guarantee continuous operations at customer sites by identifying, troubleshooting and fixing any ... Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as Test Conductor or Test Crew member

Flight Software Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

This role spans both ground mission operations software and vehicle side embedded software, with ownership from architecture through testing and flight readiness. You will work closely with avionics ...

Program Manager, Flight Test

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $255K/yr

The position requires a deep understanding of flight test operations and advanced organization, communication, and time management skills.. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the planning and execution of ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Operations information

See California salary details

$36K

$61.3K

$112.5K

How much do flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 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 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 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.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Flight Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,251 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Flight Operations Support Specialist II

Pivotal

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$36.50 - $42.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for preventative maintenance activities on test equipment and data acquisition systems
  • Use mechanical hand tools and torque wrenches to set up parts on test fixtures
  • Support development tests setup and site organization efforts
  • Self-monitor work progress against efficiency benchmarks and achieve on-time delivery of all work
  • Assemble, preflight, and perform routine inspections to ensure aircraft and equipment meet safety and performance standards
  • Perform basic maintenance tasks, such as tire pressure checks, fluid refills, and battery inspections
  • Track and record daily activities, including maintenance schedules, charging logs, and vehicle readiness
  • Perform routine inspections to ensure they meet safety and performance standards
  • Track and manage inventory for vehicle supplies, spare parts, and maintenance tools
  • Coordinate with flight test manager and flight test engineers for ordering parts or equipment replacements
  • Document and report any mechanical issues or damages to MRO for repair
  • Suggest and/or implement process improvements
  • Travel to flight sites and assist with the setup, operation and teardown of equipment
  • Support equipment movement between flight sites and company headquarters
  • A flexible work schedule may be an option Ex: 10hrs -12 hrs/day for 4 days/week

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience through past work, training and/or personal projects
  • Strong attention to detail and safety-oriented mindset
  • Comfortable managing and manipulating data and documentation
  • Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Must possess a valid state issued driver's license
  • Ability to tow trailers and drive standard box trucks up to 24 ft
  • Ability to travel to flight sites around the Bay Area
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to work outdoors in all temperatures and weather conditions
  • Moderate lifting, Ability to lift 50 lbs to chest height
  • Computer experience for input and retrieval of data

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with tools and equipment like generators, chargers, trailers and connectivity devices
  • A&P Mechanic or prior experience in field operations a plus
  • Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation

Attributes aligned with Core Values
  • Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
  • Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication-committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
  • Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
  • Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
  • Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support-balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.

$36.50 - $42.25 an hour
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
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.