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Flight Ops Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads on generating and executing test plans. Responsibilities will include the development of test CONOP planning ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Unlimited celsius This is not a normal flight ops job * We are pioneers, not corporate managers. Icarus deliberately optimizes for a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio, where ...

Be Seen First

... flight ops team on an as needed basis Desired Skills · Experience packaging and shipping merchandise · Understanding of autopilot systems (mainly CubePilot). CubePilot Ecosystem, hardware ...

Be Seen First

... flight ops team on an as needed basis Desired Skills · Experience packaging and shipping merchandise · Understanding of autopilot systems (mainly CubePilot). CubePilot Ecosystem, hardware ...

Communicate vehicle status on all aspects to Director of Operations, Flight OPS, Engineering, and Flight Test Team members * Responsible for overall safety of team and aircraft during all ground ...

Be Seen First

The lead will be encouraged to participate with sUAS technician and flight ops in order to generate content for the website and digital marketing. The lead will interface heavily with the sales staff ...

Be Seen First

The lead will be encouraged to participate with sUAS technician and flight ops in order to generate content for the website and digital marketing. The lead will interface heavily with the sales staff ...

Support integration, production, and flight ops * Work closely with mechanical, GNC, RF, and software teams What we're looking for * 1+ years building real electronic hardware * Strong fundamentals ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Ops information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$46

How much do flight ops jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight ops 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 flight operations salary?

The salary for flight operations roles varies depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals such as flight operations managers can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles related to Flight Operations, such as airline executives, chief pilots, or senior management in aviation companies, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large teams or operations in the aviation industry.

What is the highest paying flight job?

The highest paying flight jobs are typically airline captains, especially those flying large, long-haul international aircraft. These roles require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often command salaries exceeding $200,000 annually. Senior pilots with specialized skills and seniority tend to earn the highest compensation in the flight operations field.

What is the difference between Flight Ops vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectFlight OpsFlight Dispatcher
Required CredentialsCommercial Pilot License, Flight Operations CertificationDispatch License, FAA Certification
Work EnvironmentAirlines, corporate flight departments, flight planning officesAirlines, charter companies, flight planning centers
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily airline and corporate aviationAirlines and charter operators for flight planning and safety
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in flight planning and safety oversightFocuses on flight planning, weather analysis, and regulatory compliance

Flight Ops professionals oversee overall flight operations, including crew management and safety protocols, often holding pilot or managerial roles. Flight Dispatchers focus on flight planning, weather analysis, and ensuring regulatory compliance for safe flight execution. While both roles collaborate closely, Flight Ops has broader responsibilities related to flight safety and management, whereas Flight Dispatchers specialize in detailed flight planning and operational support.

What do flight ops do?

Flight operations professionals are responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. They handle tasks such as flight planning, compliance with regulations, communication with pilots and air traffic control, and ensuring all safety procedures are followed. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and familiarity with flight planning tools are essential in this role.
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Ops jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Ops job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Ops job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,100 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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.