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Flight Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Support live test and flight operations in role of primary console operator * Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure, across multi-disciplinary systems * Support vehicle ...

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$107.40 - $174.05/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, 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 ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

Your tasking may include conceptual design trade studies, detailed design and analysis tasks, development of analytical tools to support the team, and flight test support of currently operating ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... Experience operating in a classified work environment or with classified hardware EDUCATION ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Flight Simulation Development: * Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Your tasking may include conceptual design trade studies, detailed design and analysis tasks, development of analytical tools to support the team, and flight test support of currently operating ...

Insider, Inc.

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... Run flight decks in sims with flight crew for optimization * Participate in all aspects of the ...

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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 Aug 22, 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.

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT)
The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware from concept through to flight (and re-flight) operations, and everything in between. Pursue all processes necessary to effectively and safely prepare and fly world-changing launch vehicles. Work with brilliant, passionate engineers to rapidly develop methods to achieve airline-like operations for the highest performing rocket engines in the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems
  • Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at the high standard of excellence
  • Enable high launch cadence with unparalleled reliability through automated analysis of test and flight data; expand existing capabilities and develop new algorithms to improve reliability and thoroughness of all flight processes
  • Collaborate with engineers and technicians from most engineering disciplines, including stage propulsion, structure, launch, testing, production, ground, software, avionics, guidance and control, mission management, flight reliability, etc. to achieve successful and reliable engine performance in flight and during ground testing, and to continuously refine the designs and practices for increased reliability and reduced costs
  • Support live test and flight operations in role of primary console operator
  • Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure, across multi-disciplinary systems
  • Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system
  • Represent engine system in role of a responsible engineer to the rest of the vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative disciplines
  • Develop test plans, and analyze test results in support of test and flight operations
  • Execute walkdowns, and support hardware troubleshooting in the field
  • Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through practical application of automation and process controls
  • Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility
  • Balance competing priorities and several dynamic projects simultaneously, while assessing level of depth/accuracy needed for each task
  • Push tasks to complete closure, with a burning sense of urgency and extreme ownership
  • Ability to pivot and adapt quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and/or level of depth as needed, to stay aligned with program's shifting needs
  • Operate in high-stress environment with grit and endurance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
  • 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
  • Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
  • Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
  • Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Liquid engine development experience, or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and pneumatic systems
  • Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
  • Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
  • Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development - up to 10%
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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