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Lockheed Pilot Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Pilot information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$49.1K

$130K

$199.6K

How much do lockheed pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for lockheed pilot in Phoenix, AZ is $129,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $153,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lockheed Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lockheed Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, a commercial or military pilot license, and extensive flight hours in complex aircraft. Familiarity with Lockheed-specific avionics, flight management systems, and sometimes military-grade simulators or mission planning tools is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills set top pilots apart. These competencies ensure the safe and effective operation of sophisticated aircraft in demanding environments, where precision and reliability are critical.

How much do Lockheed U 2 pilots make?

Lockheed U-2 pilots, who operate high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft for the military, typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. Military pilots often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, retirement plans, and specialized training.

What are the typical challenges Lockheed pilots face when operating advanced military aircraft?

Lockheed pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technology, managing complex avionics systems, and maintaining peak performance during high-stress missions. Additionally, they must stay current with frequent updates to tactical procedures and comply with rigorous safety protocols. Collaboration with ground crews, mission planners, and other pilots is essential for mission success, and pilots are expected to continually refine their skills through ongoing training and simulation exercises.

How much does a Lockheed Martin pilot make?

A Lockheed Martin pilot's salary varies based on experience, role, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Pilots often require specialized training, certifications, and security clearances, and may work in military or aerospace environments with demanding schedules.

How hard is it to get hired by Lockheed Martin?

Getting hired as a Lockheed Pilot is competitive and typically requires a strong aviation background, relevant flight hours, and specialized training or certifications such as an FAA pilot license. Candidates often go through a rigorous interview process, background checks, and assessments of technical skills and experience in military or commercial aviation environments.

What is the difference between Lockheed Pilot vs Boeing Pilot?

AspectLockheed PilotBoeing Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Lockheed aircraftCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Boeing aircraft
Work EnvironmentMilitary and government operations, specialized aircraftCommercial airlines, passenger and cargo flights
Employer & IndustryLockheed Martin, defense and aerospace industryBoeing, commercial aviation industry

Both Lockheed Pilots and Boeing Pilots require similar certifications like a Commercial Pilot License and specific type ratings. Lockheed Pilots typically operate military or government aircraft in defense settings, while Boeing Pilots work for commercial airlines flying passengers or cargo. The work environments and industry focus differ, but the core pilot qualifications are comparable.

What are Lockheed pilots?

Lockheed pilots are highly trained professionals who operate aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin, such as the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, and other military or specialized planes. These pilots are typically members of the military or contractors who receive specialized training to handle the advanced technology and systems in Lockheed aircraft. Their responsibilities include conducting test flights, executing missions, and ensuring the safety and performance of the aircraft. Lockheed pilots play a crucial role in defense operations, research, and development of aviation technology.

Is there a demand for pilots now?

The demand for Lockheed pilots remains strong due to ongoing military operations, defense contracts, and the need for experienced aviators in national security. Pilots with military experience, specialized training, and certifications such as FAA licenses are highly sought after, especially for advanced aircraft and leadership roles.
What are popular job titles related to Lockheed Pilot jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Lockheed Pilot jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lockheed Pilot job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,988 per year, or $62.5 per hour.
F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot / Luke AFB

F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot / Luke AFB

Lockheed Martin

Luke Air Force Base, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 61 rated aerospace companies


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 experienced fighter pilots to serve as Contract Instructor Pilots to support our Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business area at Luke Air Force Base
The role involves providing F-35 training to pilots through both academic and simulator-based instruction, ensuring adherence to the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team to achieve F-35 training objectives. The successful candidate will implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies, as directed. Candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. Appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.
The Contract Instructor Pilot will instruct 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 student's performance.
This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot.
WHY JOIN US
Opportunity for Impact: Join a team that is at the forefront of innovation in the aerospace and defense industry and make a significant impact on the success of our organization.
Professional Development: Take advantage of unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement within Lockheed Martin, with access to world-class training and development programs.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry who share your passion for excellence and who are committed to supporting each other's success.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as competitive salary offerings.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment where you will have the opportunity to work with the latest technology and contribute to groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of aerospace and defense.
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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.
• Must have a minimum of 1000 hours experience in tactical fighter aircraft as a pilot.
• 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with leadership and interact with multiple functional areas and personnel of a diverse nature.
• 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.
• Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) is required.
Desired skills
• 1000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft as a pilot is highly desired.
• Flight experience in the F-35 is highly desired.
• Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Past 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.
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
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Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.

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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