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Instrument Man Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

... man-machine interface issues and requirements are identified for new or modified aircraft designs ... FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as ...

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Instrument Man information

See California salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do instrument man jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument man in California is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument man?

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They assist the surveyor in collecting accurate field data for construction, mapping, and boundary determination. Their duties include setting up equipment, recording measurements, and ensuring data accuracy. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with surveying techniques and tools.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an instrument man on a survey crew?

An Instrument Man is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various surveying instruments to collect accurate data in the field. Daily tasks include assisting the Survey Party Chief in taking measurements, recording field notes, and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and positioned. The role often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires close collaboration with other team members. Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions precisely are vital for ensuring data integrity and the success of the overall survey project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument man, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Man, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, precise measurement skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with survey instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, data collectors, and relevant software is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills for success. These qualities ensure accurate data collection and efficient collaboration in dynamic, field-based environments.

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Man jobs in California?

For Instrument Man jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrument Man jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Man jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Instrument Man 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 $41,872 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Staff Pilot Test

Northrop Grumman

Edwards, CA • On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for developmental test of military aircraft.

Candidate may conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Responsibilities include developing test techniques, assisting in cockpit/workstation design, working with flight test engineers creating test plans, developing test products, evaluating systems in the laboratory environment, simulation, ground test, flight test, and reporting on test results. Selected candidate must successfully complete initial and recurrent training and qualifications as a basis for continued employment.

Travel may be required up to 10% of the time. This position is located 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA RESPONSIBILITIES Provides test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research efforts to ensure man-machine interface issues and requirements are identified for new or modified aircraft designs Plan, develop and execute test flights on aircraft to verify airworthiness and performance capability; validate and verify compliance with specifications and to determine operational effectiveness and/or suitability Partners with Flight Ops Manager and Engineering team to ensure test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations Collaborates with customer pilots Engage with program IPTs and REs to ensure air vehicle and ground station designs/modifications are effective and suitable Provides test pilot inputs at FRR, TRRs and SRBs ensuring safe conduct of all NGAS flight test missions Ensures best practices and lessons learned are shared with other program pilots Provides engineering test pilot expertise and safety guidance to flight test engineers for design definition, simulator flights, test planning, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting and proposal preparation Provide test pilot inputs to System Safety to ensure safe conduct of flight test missions Provides pilot inputs into development of preliminary flight manuals and aircrew checklists Maintain proficiencies and currencies Promotes active involvement in flight test professional societies and industry forums; fully supports Test Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Flight Test Safety Summit Basic Qualifications: Bachelor degree plus 12 years of related experience OR Master's plus 10 years of related experience OR PhD plus 9 years of related experience. Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment. Must have an active US Government secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command Current FAA Class II Medical or higher Military Test Pilot School (TPS) Graduate Experience in flight testing, with ability to work with engineering to develop solutions to integration issues, and to bridge between the customer users and Northrop Grumman designers Preferred Qualifications: Current, proficient, and qualified in military aircraft Current DoD Top Secret clearance Strong interpersonal and leadership skills Excellent communications skills, including the ability to brief test results to executive leadership Primary Level Salary Range: $214,200.00 - $321,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939