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Flight Simulator Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

... pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting * Perform simulator testing ... development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes * Contribute to flight readiness ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

... pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting * Perform simulator testing ... development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes * Contribute to flight readiness ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

... pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting * Perform simulator testing ... development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes * Contribute to flight readiness ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

... pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting * Perform simulator testing ... development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes * Contribute to flight readiness ...

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... simulator training NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... simulator training NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for ...

The Corporate pilot will communicate regularly with the Assistant chief pilots, to ensure that all ... simulator training, maintaining flight proficiency and knowledge of all flight operations ...

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Flight Simulator Pilot information

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Simulator Pilots during training sessions?

Flight Simulator Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing simulated scenarios, managing complex cockpit systems, and maintaining clear communication with instructors and other crew members. These sessions are designed to replicate real-life emergencies and technical malfunctions, which can be both mentally and physically demanding. However, overcoming these challenges helps pilots build confidence, improve their decision-making skills, and prepare more effectively for real-world flight situations.

What are Flight Simulator Pilots?

Flight Simulator Pilots are professionals who operate advanced flight simulators to train, evaluate, or maintain the proficiency of pilots and flight crews. They may simulate a variety of flight scenarios, emergency situations, and procedures to ensure pilots are prepared for real-world flying. Flight Simulator Pilots often work for airlines, flight schools, or the military, and may also assist in developing and testing new simulator programs. Their role is crucial for improving aviation safety and pilot competence.

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

AspectFlight Simulator PilotFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsPilot certifications, simulator operation trainingPilot certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentFlight simulators, training centersAircraft, flight schools, training aircraft
Employer & IndustryAirlines, training centers, militaryFlight schools, airlines, private training

While both roles involve aviation training, a Flight Simulator Pilot specializes in operating flight simulators for training and assessment, whereas a Flight Instructor teaches pilots in actual aircraft. The roles share certifications and industry environments but differ in practical versus simulated flight training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Simulator Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Simulator Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, flight operations, and typically hold a commercial or military pilot license. Familiarity with advanced flight simulator systems, scenario programming software, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and instructional skills help in effectively guiding trainees and responding to in-simulator scenarios. These skills ensure accurate simulation, effective pilot training, and adherence to safety standards in a controlled environment.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator Pilot jobs in California? For Flight Simulator Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Simulator Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Pilot job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$77K/yr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Direct hiring authority for the 2181 series is being used to fill this position. Public Notices serve as a resume repository, and positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Qualifications:

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on their responses within the application package and Supplemental Qualifications Statement, FAA Form 3330-47-3 ASIP (10/98).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Certificates and Ratings: All applicants must possess either a valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land AND instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating. *Selected candidates without an ATP certificate will be required to successfully complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.* In addition, all applicants must possess either a valid first or second-class medical certificate. *Selected candidates must obtain a first class medical certificate prior to appointment.*

TOTAL FLIGHT TIME - 1500 Hours

Flight time as a pilot in command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placement actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may be waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: 1) applicant holds the required certificates and ratings; 2) applicant has acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; 3) applicant meets the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and 4) applicant's flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME - 250 Hours

Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

NIGHT FLYING TIME - 75 Hours

For in-service placement actions, 25 hours may be waived if the applicant demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

FLYING TIME, LAST 12 MONTHS - 100 Hours

For in-service placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the applicant's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. NOTE: Flight time in an FAA approved level C or D full flight simulator is creditable towards meeting the recency of flight experience. If applicable, applicant must document time in the Airplane PIC or SIC blocks of the Total in Last 12 Months section of the FAA Form 3330-47-3.

MULTIENGINE AIRPLANE TIME - 500 Hours

Experience may have been in either light or heavy multi-engine airplanes.

INSTRUMENT TIME - 75 Hours

At least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

In order to verify your flight hours, applicants MUST provide FAA Form 3330-47-3. Click here to obtain a copy of the required form.

AND

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and either a valid First or Second Class Medical Certificate. Selected candidates must obtain a First Class Medical Certificate prior to appointment.

NOTE: To qualify at the FV-J (FG-14) level, applicants must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) AND possess an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) Credential.

AND

In addition to the basic requirements, there may be specialized experience requirements at the next lower level for the position(s) being filled. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Applicants should include specialized experience in their Work History. Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA.

Education:

KSA INFORMATION:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Quality Ranking Factor(s) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Employment Type: OTHER