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Full Time F35 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$133K - $247K/yr

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $133500.00 - $247900.00 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top ...

Funded Schedule (FT/PT): FT Travel Required: N/A Shift: Day Remote Type: Hybrid Clearance required ... pilot vehicle interface Deficiency Reports (DRs) - Facilitates cross-functional validation of ...

Funded Schedule (FT/PT): FT Travel Required: N/A Shift: Day Remote Type: Hybrid Clearance required ... pilot vehicle interface Deficiency Reports (DRs) - Facilitates cross-functional validation of ...

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Full Time F35 Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do full time f35 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time f35 pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time F35 pilot?

Full Time F35 Pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for operating the F-35 Lightning II, a state-of-the-art stealth multirole fighter aircraft. These pilots fly missions that may include air-to-air combat, ground attack, intelligence gathering, and training exercises. They undergo extensive training to handle the advanced technology and systems onboard the F-35 and often serve in the Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps. Their duties also include maintaining combat readiness, participating in joint exercises, and adhering to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time F35 pilot?

To thrive as a Full Time F35 Pilot, you need an in-depth understanding of aviation principles, advanced flight training, and military pilot qualifications, typically backed by a bachelor's degree and completion of rigorous military flight school. Mastery of the F-35's complex avionics, mission planning software, and weapons systems is essential, along with necessary security clearances. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set outstanding pilots apart in high-pressure, dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and effective teamwork in demanding scenarios.

What are some common challenges faced by full time F35 pilots during training and operational missions?

Full Time F35 Pilots often encounter challenges such as mastering the advanced avionics and sensor systems unique to the F35, as well as adapting to rapidly changing mission parameters. The role demands continuous learning, as software and tactical updates are frequent. Additionally, pilots must work closely with ground crews, mission planners, and other pilots to ensure cohesive teamwork and mission success. The high level of responsibility and the need for split-second decision-making under pressure are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Full Time F35 Pilot vs Commercial Airline Pilot?

AspectFull Time F35 PilotCommercial Airline Pilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot certification, FAA pilot license, specific F35 trainingCommercial pilot license (CPL), ATP certification, airline-specific training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, combat zones, air force facilitiesAirline cockpits, airports, passenger cabins
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense industryCommercial airlines, transportation industry

Full Time F35 Pilots operate advanced military fighter jets within the defense sector, requiring military-specific certifications and training. In contrast, Commercial Airline Pilots fly passenger aircraft for airlines, focusing on commercial flight operations. Both roles demand high-level piloting skills but differ significantly in environment, credentials, and industry focus.

More about Full Time F35 Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of F35 Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of F35 Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time F35 Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Contract Instructor Pilot / CIP / F-35 / Tyndall AFB, FL

Lockheed Martin Corporation

$133K - $247K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support military pilots' flight procedures and maintain their qualification level using the FMS and/or DMRT.

  • Operate the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) to deliver training and support pilot development.

  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for pilot training and tactics development, providing recommendations for courseware updates and improvements.


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description WHO WE ARE Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping the future of the industry. With a rich legacy of excellence and a commitment to delivering advanced capabilities to our customers, we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and engineering. THE WORK We're seeking a highly skilled and experienced Pilot Instructor to join our team at Tyndall, AFB, FL. As a key member of our Lockheed Martin training team, you will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of F-35 pilots. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting military pilots' flight procedures and maintaining their qualification level in the Pilot Training Device. This will be achieved by executing approved pilot training syllabi, upgrade, and tactics training using the Full Mission Simulator (FMS) and/or Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer (DMRT). Key Responsibilities: Provide instruction to military pilots using the FMS and/or DMRT, focusing on flight procedures, tactics, and qualification level maintenance Operate the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) to deliver training and support pilot development Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for pilot training and tactics development, providing recommendations for courseware updates and improvements Collaborate with other members of the Lockheed Martin team at Tyndall AFB to fulfill F-35 training and continuation training objectives Implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies as directed Develop and maintain a deep understanding of F-35 aircraft systems, procedures, and tactics to provide expert instruction and guidance Stay current with updates and changes to F-35 training programs, procedures, and policies The job may require a flexible work schedule to provide coverage for on-site customer requirements. Travel to support other sites CONUS and OCONUS may also be required. F-35 Fast Facts Instructs pilots in flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training. Prepares lesson plans. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in creation of training material. Assists in the preparation of schedules, maintenance of training records and ensures that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student. Evaluates and monitors students performance. This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot. Basic Qualifications Final Transferable Secret security clearance with last Periodic Reinvestigation within the last six years. Ability to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access. Candidate must have a minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in forth and/or fifth generation multi-role fighter aircraft. Former Instructor Pilot (IP) experience required. Prior experience in Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training. Operational experience with advanced sensor systems (NVS, LANTIRN, Helmet Mounted Cuing, etc.) Familiarity with current instructional techniques and delivery methods. In-depth knowledge of military publications and 4th and/or 5th generation aircraft systems. Candidate should have experience working in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from various backgrounds and disciplines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Outstanding interpersonal skills, leadership traits, and communication abilities. Ability to organize and provide customer support. Willingness to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule. Desired Skills Current or demonstrated experience as a USAF/USN/USMC IP with multi-role fighter experience. Former Weapon School, Top Gun, or MAWTS graduate desired. Fifth generation Full Mission Simulator (FMS) experience as an operator and/or instructor. Minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in fourth and/or fifth generation multi-role fighter aircraftF-35 flight time. F-35 Instructor Pilot experience. Experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum. Familiarity with F-35 program requirements. F-35 system knowledge. F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience. Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program. Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $133500.00 - $247900.00 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics. For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912