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Instructor Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs ...

Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on various aircraft ...

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Instructor Pilot information

See California salary details

$39K

$101.7K

$169.3K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in California is $101,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pilot instructor do?

Pilot Instructors teach students how to fly so that they can obtain their pilot’s licenses. This position takes patience, precision, a sense of detail, and cool thinking under pressure. You will teach your student each and every step involved in flight. This often begins with classroom instruction and may later involve such actions as filing a flight plan, completing a pre-flight checklist, radio communication with ground personnel, and all details of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Eventually, you will guide your students through test flights. You will then file reports to your leadership on the progress of your students and help decide who is qualified to obtain their pilot’s licenses.

What is an instructor pilot?

Instructor Pilots are highly trained and experienced pilots who are responsible for teaching student pilots how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to aviation regulations. Instructor Pilots may work in flight schools, military settings, or commercial training programs, and are essential for developing the next generation of competent aviators. Their role includes demonstrating maneuvers, providing feedback, and preparing students for exams and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructor pilot?

To thrive as an Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft-specific avionics, and training management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring student pilots. These skills ensure safe flight operations, effective knowledge transfer, and the development of competent new pilots.

What are some common challenges instructor pilots face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying learning speeds among students, managing cockpit safety during training flights, and providing constructive feedback under pressure. To address these, it's important to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs, maintain clear communication and situational awareness at all times, and foster a supportive learning environment. Regular collaboration with other instructors and ongoing professional development also help Instructor Pilots stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

What is the difference between Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectInstructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often requiredCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) required
Work EnvironmentMilitary, corporate, or government aircraft trainingFlight schools, general aviation
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agenciesFlight training schools, private aviation

Instructor Pilot and Flight Instructor both require CFI certification, but Instructor Pilots often operate in military or corporate settings, focusing on advanced training. Flight Instructors typically work in civilian flight schools, training new pilots. While their roles overlap in training and certification, Instructor Pilots usually handle more complex aircraft and scenarios, whereas Flight Instructors focus on foundational pilot training.

More about Instructor Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,689 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Contract Instructor Pilot

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lemoore, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 392 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.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
At Lockheed Martin, we're revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world-class team of professionals. Our mission-driven approach and unwavering dedication to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver superior products and solutions to our customers around the world.
THE WORK
We are seeking an experienced fighter pilot to serve as a Pilot Instructor located at NAS Lemoore.
Position will provide F-35 Instructor Pilot and Subject Matter Expert (SME) instruction, academic training utilizing Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and/or Interactive Courseware (ICW) and instruct flight procedures in the Pilot Training Devices executing to the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team at NAS Lemoore to fulfill F-35 training objectives. The successful candidate will implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed. The candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. An appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with the assignment, is required.
The Contract Instructor Pilot will provide instruction using the Full Mission Simulators (FMS) or Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT). The instructor will operate Instructor Operating Stations (IOS) and will be a SME for all pilot training courseware updates. The Contract Instructor Pilot will assist in the preparation of schedules, maintain training records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student. The Contract Instructor Pilot will evaluate and monitor students' performance. This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot.
This position is sign on bonus eligible
WHO YOU ARE
You are a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a passion for driving operational excellence and optimizing production processes. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are adept at managing complex projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Your strong analytical skills, coupled with your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across departments, make you an invaluable asset to our team.
Basic Qualifications
• Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 5 years or be enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in 4th/5th generation multi-role fighter aircraft.
• Must have experience as a multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with simulator devices and an understanding of fighter tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Proven experience working in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from varied backgrounds.
• Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits, strong oral & written communication abilities, solid ability to organize, and a high desire to provide customer satisfaction.
• Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements.
• Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule.
• Former Instructor Pilot (IP) experience required.
• Candidate must have in-depth knowledge of forth and/or fifth generation aircraft systems, operational experience with advanced sensor systems such as Night Vision devices, EO/IR targeting systems, Helmet Mounted Cuing, and the latest air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons inventory.
• Candidate must have prior experience in delivering military pilot academics and simulator training and be familiar with current instructional techniques and delivery methods.
• Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required.
• Must be willing to travel CONUS and OCONUS for up to 89-day periods of time
Desired Skills
• Flight experience in the F-35 is highly desired.
• Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft.
• 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.
• Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with advanced systems such as NVS, targeting pods, datalinks, Helmet Mounted Cueing, and the latest weapons inventory.
• Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC).
• Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience.
• Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC); Top Gun: Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) graduate.
• Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience.
• Experience with training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and electronic grade books.
• Current USAF/USN/USMC IP with multi-role fighter experience.
• Former Weapon School, Top Gun, or MAWTS graduate desired
Pay Information
  • $107.08 - $107.08

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.
  • Additional specific benefits are dependent upon the business unit and the collective-bargaining agreement.
  • 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) 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