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Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Define and manage simulator requirements for new Operational Flight Program (OFP H-builds) and ... NATOPS Instructor qualification. Equally Important: * Ability to build positive, collaborative ...

Simulator Aircrew SME, F/A-18

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Define and manage simulator requirements for new Operational Flight Program (OFP H-builds) and ... NATOPS Instructor qualification. Equally Important: * Ability to build positive, collaborative ...

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Flight Simulator Instructor information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$93.4K

$143.6K

How much do flight simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator instructor in California is $93,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a flight simulator instructor do?

A Flight Simulator Instructor trains pilots using advanced flight simulation technology, helping them practice procedures, emergency scenarios, and aircraft operations in a safe, controlled environment. They develop lesson plans, conduct training sessions, assess pilot performance, and provide feedback for improvement. These instructors are essential for both new and experienced pilots to maintain their skills and stay updated on aviation regulations and procedures.

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

To thrive as a Flight Simulator Instructor, you need a solid background in aviation, a thorough understanding of aircraft systems, and typically a commercial pilot's license or equivalent flight experience. Familiarity with advanced flight simulation software and systems, as well as certifications such as FAA Flight Instructor or similar credentials, are often required. Strong communication, instructional ability, and patience are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching and assessing pilot trainees. These skills ensure safe, effective training and help pilots develop critical competencies in a controlled environment.

What is the difference between Flight Simulator Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Simulator InstructorFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsFAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), simulator training certificationFAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), pilot license
Work EnvironmentFlight simulators, training centers, aviation academiesAircraft, flight schools, training aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight training centers, militaryFlight schools, private aviation, commercial airlines

Both roles require FAA certification and involve pilot training, but Flight Simulator Instructors focus on simulator-based instruction in controlled environments, while Flight Instructors teach in actual aircraft. The choice depends on whether training occurs in simulators or real flight settings.

What does a flight simulator instructor do?

A flight simulator instructor provides instruction to a student training to become a pilot. Your main responsibilities revolve around teaching ground, simulator, and flight operations. Your duties include developing curriculum, providing lessons, reviewing and grading students, monitoring the condition of an aircraft and related equipment, and creating reports on your students. You cover aviation machinery, flying techniques, safety policies and procedures, and FAA regulations. You assist students throughout the course and answer questions to ensure their success. A flight simulator instructor may also help recruit new applicants to the program.

How does a flight simulator instructor typically collaborate with pilots and training teams during simulation sessions?

Flight Simulator Instructors work closely with pilots, both students and experienced crew, by guiding them through realistic scenarios and providing immediate, constructive feedback. They often coordinate with training managers and other instructors to align simulation exercises with regulatory requirements and airline procedures. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as instructors must adapt to different learning styles and ensure training objectives are met. Collaboration extends to post-session debriefs, where instructors and trainees discuss performance and areas for improvement in a supportive environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in California? For Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulator Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Simulator Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,381 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 221 rated education and training


Job description

Salary Range: $0-$1,099,998.00 Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. Benefits: FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits

About FlightSafety International FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum. Tasks and Responsibilities Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft. Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.

Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses. Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency. Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions.

Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required. Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise. Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures.

Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems. Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures. Operate Student Management System.

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Education Bachelor's degree required. Minimum Experience Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.

Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.

Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs. Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.

Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance. Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel.

The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud.

The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor. FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs

A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S

law. This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address. FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers. Apply


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