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Flight Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices * Other duties as assigned or ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · Hybrid

$203K - $280K/yr

We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and ... As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$203K - $280K/yr

We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and ... As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices * Other duties as assigned or ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · Hybrid

We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and ... As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and ...

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Flight Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$46

How much do flight operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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 41% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% 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.

Senior Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Concord, CA • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$121K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support its advanced development efforts. This role will primarily focus on the autonomy portfolio which includes the Cessna Caravan platform. Drawing on your experience flight testing large aircraft, the role will provide ownership of a wide range of development, testing, analysis, and reporting activities.

The ideal candidate will also hold FAA pilot certificates and will be able to operate large uncrewed aircraft.


  • Work closely with discipline engineers, test pilots, maintenance, and leadership to establish and execute flight test programs of complex vehicles and systems
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required
  • At least 10% travel required to support short term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 5+ years of experience in related field
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer- particularly in a Test Conductor role
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.


  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
  • FAA private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating
    • An ability to maintain an FAA Class II medical
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
  • Experience with liquid hydrogen vehicles

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $206,100/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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