ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Simulator Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award ... Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Simulator Pilot JobsFlight Simulator Pilot Jobs in California

Flight Simulator Pilot information

What is a flight simulator pilot?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight simulator pilot?

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Flight Simulator Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Simulator Pilot job openings:

Flight Simulator Pilot jobs near you
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.

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

FlightSafety International

March Air Reserve Base, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 223 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 C‑17 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.

What FlightSafety International employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply