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Flight Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Operator

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$37 - $49/hr

This position will be filled with a highly motivated Flight Test Operator with a passion for flying small uncrewed rotary aircraft in support of flight test operations. You will work heavily with ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Operator

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$77K - $120K/yr

Familiarity with flight controllers and autopilot logic. * Significant knowledge and understanding of National Airspace regulations and operating restrictions * Must have strong communication and ...

System Dynamics Intl

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

Sensor Operators will perform duties as flight test crew members employing airborne sensors. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Test Planning and Execution Review test plans, test cards, and other ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA

$34 - $38/hr

About You and The Role You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on executing high-volume flight testing that proves the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of Zipline's aircraft and ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator (SkillBridge)

Davis, CA · On-site

You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on bringing early-stage Zipline aircraft from prototype through production bring-up. You will execute, iterate, and sign off on flight operations that ...

AeroVironment

Flight Test Operator II

Moorpark, CA

$23 - $35/hr

Worker Type Regular Summary The Flight Test Operator II is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles and equipment for quality assurance purposes.

AeroVironment, Inc.

Flight Test Operator II

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

Worker Type Regular Summary The Flight Test Operator II is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles and equipment for quality assurance purposes.

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA · On-site

About You and The Role You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on executing high-volume flight testing that proves the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of Zipline's aircraft and ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... When Icarus goes to the field, you are both the operator and the engineer in the loop. Mission Re ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... When Icarus goes to the field, you are both the operator and the engineer in the loop. Mission Re ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the ... When Icarus goes to the field, you are both the operator and the engineer in the loop. Mission Re ...

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All JobsFlight Operator JobsFlight Operator Jobs in California

Flight Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$46

How much do flight operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight operator in California is $27.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight operator?

Flight Operators are professionals responsible for managing and coordinating the logistical and operational aspects of flights. Their duties typically include flight planning, monitoring aircraft movements, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and communicating with pilots and air traffic control. They play a crucial role in ensuring flights operate safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Flight Operators may work for airlines, private charter companies, or government agencies, and often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage.

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

To thrive as a Flight Operator, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, flight planning, and air traffic control procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in aviation management. Familiarity with flight scheduling software, dispatch systems, and weather monitoring tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with pilots, crew, and ground staff. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in a dynamic and high-stakes environment.

What are some common challenges faced by flight operators and how are they typically addressed?

Flight Operators often face challenges such as coordinating flight schedules amid rapidly changing weather conditions, managing communication between pilots and ground crews, and ensuring strict compliance with aviation regulations. These challenges are typically addressed through advanced planning, the use of specialized flight operations software, and close collaboration with air traffic controllers and maintenance teams. Strong organizational and decision-making skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen events to ensure safety and efficiency.

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Operator job openings:

Flight Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,100 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
We are seeking a Flight/Spacecraft Operator to own and lead day-to-day spacecraft operations for a growing constellation of satellites. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient mission execution across all phases of flight-from early on-orbit checkout through routine operations and anomaly resolution.
The role will help define operational concepts, lead flight ops actions, and act as the primary intermediary between the active spacecrafts and the system owners
Responsibilities
  • Assume the role of primary Flight Operator for the Xona's constellation, and lead real-time mission operations, including commanding, monitoring, and contingency response
  • Coordinate with other Operators shifts across different locations and time zones to efficiently organize and distribute tasks
  • Deep dive into the full Ground and Satellite tech stack, to understand the system as a whole for both nominal scenarios and anomaly conditions
  • Provide frequent updates on the state of the satellites to key stakeholders and raise any issues in a timely manner
  • Actively participate in mission readiness reviews, rehearsals, TVAC testing, and Day-In-The-Life (DITL) simulations
  • Prepared for on-call duties during any anomalies or special spacecraft operations
  • Assist with automating any mundane or repetitive tasks by providing any valuable domain knowledge or directly help with scripting

Required Skills/Qualifications
  • Previous experience with direct on-console control of satellites, aircrafts, drones, or other machinery
  • Strong understanding of TT&C/communications systems and partnering with Ground Station provider
  • Extended availability outside of normal working hours during anomalous situations or special circumstances for spacecraft ops
  • Excellent verbal & written communication skills to efficiently update the progress
  • Excellent documentation skills to routinely keep track of any critical events/actions across the ground and space stack
  • Some scripting knowledge with Python, Bash, etc.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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