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Part 91 Flying Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

As part of Hermeus' iterative path to high-speed flight, you will drive lessons learned into follow ... Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. $91,800 - $140,250 a year The salary range ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

As part of Hermeus' iterative path to high-speed flight, you will drive lessons learned into follow ... Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. $91,800 - $140,250 a year The salary range ...

Showing results 21-38

Part 91 Flying information

See California salary details

$8

$31

$88

How much do part 91 flying jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for part 91 flying in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $36.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part 91 pilot?

To thrive as a Part 91 Pilot, you need a valid pilot’s license (typically a commercial or ATP certificate), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with aircraft systems, avionics, and navigation tools such as GPS and flight management systems is essential, along with recurrent training and medical certification. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and strong communication skills are critical for ensuring safety and coordinating with passengers or crew. These skills and qualifications are vital for safe, efficient, and compliant operation of aircraft in a variety of private and corporate flying environments.

What is the difference between Part 91 Flying vs Part 135 Charter Pilot?

AspectPart 91 FlyingPart 135 Charter Pilot
CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentPersonal or business flights, often private or corporateCommercial operations, passenger or cargo charter flights
UsageNon-commercial, personal use, or company flightsPaid passenger or cargo services

Part 91 Flying involves private or corporate flights with minimal regulatory requirements, focusing on non-commercial operations. In contrast, Part 135 Charter Pilots operate commercial flights, providing paid services under stricter regulations. Both roles require similar pilot certifications, but their work environments and legal obligations differ significantly.

What are some common challenges pilots face when flying under Part 91 operations?

Pilots operating under Part 91 often encounter challenges such as managing more flexible scheduling, handling a broad variety of aircraft, and adapting quickly to changes in trip requirements. Part 91 pilots may also be responsible for their own flight planning, compliance with regulations, and sometimes even basic aircraft maintenance tasks. Unlike commercial operations, the level of support staff may be limited, so strong organizational and communication skills are essential to coordinate effectively with aircraft owners, dispatchers, and maintenance personnel.

What is Part 91 flying?

Part 91 flying refers to operations conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), which govern general aviation in the United States. This includes private, non-commercial flying such as personal, business, and some corporate flights where the aircraft is not carrying people or property for compensation or hire. Pilots and operators under Part 91 have more flexibility and fewer regulatory requirements compared to commercial operators under Parts 121 or 135. However, they are still required to follow strict safety and maintenance rules set by the FAA.
What are the most commonly searched types of Part 91 Flying jobs in California? The most popular types of Part 91 Flying jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Part 91 Flying job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,770 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Engineer Guidance Navigation Control (Level 2 / 3)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
You will work in a multi-disciplinary team environment to design, develop, implement, verify, and test algorithms, software, and simulation tools to perform Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) of aircraft. Develop control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities and stability margin requirements, both on ground and in flight. Develop air vehicle system linear and non-linear dynamic simulation models and integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments. Analyze air vehicle flight test data and support flight test activities.
Basic Qualifications for GNC Engineer Level 2:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience
  • Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data.
  • Active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 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.

Basic Qualifications for GNC Engineer Level 3:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1year of related engineering experience
  • Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data.
  • Active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 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.

Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:
  • Knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft flight dynamics.
  • Experience using linear control principles and tools to design feedback control systems.
  • Experience analyzing non-linear simulations of aircraft closed-loop dynamics.
  • Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink
  • Experience designing control laws for fixed wing aircraft and performing handling qualities analyses
  • Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1797 flying qualities requirements
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
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