ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kawak Aviation Technologies

Be Seen First

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in building solutions that "just plain work" when the stakes are highest. We are looking for driven ...

Veteran-friendly

Relocation assistance

Urgent

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHelicopter Firefighting JobsHelicopter Firefighting Jobs in California

Helicopter Firefighting information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$95.1K

$101.2K

How much do helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter firefighting in California is $95,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying helicopter job?

The highest paying helicopter firefighting jobs are typically with government agencies or private companies involved in aerial firefighting operations, especially those requiring advanced pilot certifications and experience. Senior pilots or those in supervisory roles can earn significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the region and employer.

Is 30 too old to be a fireman?

For helicopter firefighting roles, age limits vary by agency but many accept applicants up to their mid-30s or early 40s if they meet physical fitness and experience requirements. Physical endurance, firefighting certifications, and medical evaluations are essential, and older applicants often bring valuable experience. Age alone is not typically a disqualifier if the candidate maintains the necessary fitness and skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Helicopter Firefighting position, and why are they important?

To excel in Helicopter Firefighting, you need a strong background in aviation, emergency response, and firefighting procedures, often requiring a commercial pilot’s license and specialized fire suppression training. Familiarity with helicopter avionics, water-dropping systems, and safety protocols is crucial, along with certifications such as FAA ratings and wildfire firefighting courses. Superior teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this demanding field. These qualifications ensure operational safety, effective fire suppression, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing wildfire conditions.

What is a Helicopter Firefighting job?

A helicopter firefighting job involves piloting or assisting in aerial operations to combat wildfires and other large-scale fires. These professionals use helicopters to drop water or fire retardant, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct reconnaissance of fire-prone areas. Pilots and crew members must have specialized training in wildfire behavior, aviation safety, and emergency response. The job requires physical endurance, quick decision-making, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Helicopter firefighting is a critical part of wildfire management and often demands long hours in challenging conditions.

What are the typical challenges faced by helicopter firefighting crews?

Helicopter firefighting crews often work in rapidly changing and hazardous environments, facing challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and difficult terrain for navigation. Team members must coordinate closely with ground firefighting teams and follow precise communication protocols for safety and mission success. Long shifts, physical demands, and heightened stress levels during active wildfire seasons are also common. However, many find the role deeply rewarding due to its critical impact on protecting communities and natural resources.

Is 28 too late to be a firefighter?

For helicopter firefighting roles, being 28 is generally not too late to start a career, as many firefighters and specialized pilots begin training in their late 20s or later. Physical fitness, relevant certifications, and experience are important factors, and age requirements vary by agency. Candidates should check specific agency policies and focus on obtaining necessary training such as firefighting and aviation certifications.

What is the highest paying firefighting job?

In firefighting, helicopter firefighting roles such as helicopter pilots or aerial firefighting supervisors tend to be among the highest paid positions due to specialized skills and certifications required. These roles often offer higher salaries compared to ground firefighting positions, especially in regions with frequent large-scale wildfires or where aerial suppression is heavily utilized.
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California? The most popular types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California? For Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Helicopter Firefighting jobs? Cities in California with the most Helicopter Firefighting job openings:
Helicopter Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,135 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kawak Aviation Technologies

San Diego, CA • On-site

Veteran-friendly

Relocation assistance

Urgent

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR)

Pay Range: $110,000-130,000

Build products that fight wildfires, solve real-world problems, and make a direct impact with a passionate small-team culture.

We design and deliver aircraft-integrated utility systems used in live aerial firefighting operations.

These aren’t long-cycle, theoretical programs.

Kawak aerial firefighting solutions go from concept → certification → aircraft → field operation in tight cycles, and they’re relied on in high-risk environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

We’re a small, high-performing team, and we’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who wants real ownership and real impact.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and own design of aircraft-integrated utility systems from concept through certification and production
  • Develop real hardware: systems, structures, tanks, hydraulics, composite components
  • Work directly with production, quality, and program leadership
  • Primary customer interface for assigned programs
  • Drive engineering and design within FAA/STC certification environments
  • Support testing, validation, and real-world performance

You won’t be one layer removed from the product.

You’ll be responsible for it.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Your designs go onto aircraft and into operation
  • Fast iteration compared to traditional aerospace programs
  • High ownership. Low bureaucracy
  • Direct impact on product direction and performance
  • Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs

What We’re Looking For

  • 8+ years hands on mechanical engineering/design experience
  • Prior aviation, aerospace, or defense industry background strongly valued
  • Strong CAD (SolidWorks) and design fundamentals
  • Deep multi-discipline expertise (structural, hydraulic, mechanisms, electronics)
  • Ability to take products from concept through production
  • Mentors Level 1 and Level 2 engineers

Location

Bend, Oregon - Relocation support available for the right candidate

Interested?

If you’re looking for a role where your work moves quickly, matters in the field, and you can take true ownership of what you build, we should talk.

Apply here or reach out directly.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation based on experience ($100-120k starting).
  • Medical, dental, vision coverage.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.

Company Description

Kawak Aviation Technologies is a fast-moving utility aviation company focused on designing and manufacturing mission-critical aerial firefighting and aviation systems trusted by operators around the world. Based in Bend, Oregon, our team develops innovative products that support demanding real-world operations where reliability, speed, and performance matter most. From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in building solutions that “just plain work” when the stakes are highest. We are looking for driven, hands-on people who thrive in a collaborative small-business environment, take ownership of their work, and want to help shape the future of aerial firefighting and utility aviation.