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Pilot In Command Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pivotal

Flight Test Operator I

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Cooperate with the team as pilot-in-command (PIC) for Part 107 operations * Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements * Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or ...

Pivotal

Flight Test Operator I

Palo Alto, CA

Cooperate with the team as pilot-in-command (PIC) for Part 107 operations * Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements * Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or ...

Pivotal

Flight Test Operator I

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Cooperate with the team as pilot-in-command (PIC) for Part 107 operations * Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements * Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or ...

Wipro Limited

SME L1

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$25K - $50K/mo

... pilot-in-command (" PIC ")Monitor for and report hazardous weather conditions in the operating area to the FOMDetect and report visible obstacles or other hazards to flight to the FOMVerify and ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

San Jose, CA

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

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All JobsPilot In Command JobsPilot In Command Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Pilot In Command information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$58.1K

$153.8K

$236.1K

How much do pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in command in Santa Clara, CA is $153,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $182,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pilot In Command vs Co-Pilot?

AspectPilot In CommandCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, responsible for safetyAssists Pilot In Command, manages navigation and communication tasks
Roles & ResponsibilitiesOverall flight responsibility, decision-making authoritySupports Pilot In Command, shares flying duties

The Pilot In Command holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and shares flying duties. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Pilot In Command has ultimate authority and accountability during flights.

Is SIC pilot experience valuable?

SIC (Second in Command) pilot experience is valuable as it provides flight hours, operational experience, and familiarity with cockpit procedures, which are essential for advancing to captain roles. Many airlines and operators consider SIC experience a key step in building the qualifications required for a pilot in command position.

What does it mean to be a pilot in command?

A pilot in command is the primary responsible person for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. They hold the highest authority on board, make critical decisions, and ensure compliance with regulations, often requiring specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. The pilot in command oversees crew coordination, navigation, and communication with air traffic control.

What are Pilot In Command responsibilities?

A Pilot In Command (PIC) is the person legally responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. The PIC has final authority over all decisions related to the flight, including navigation, communication, and emergency procedures. This role involves pre-flight planning, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and managing the crew and passengers. The PIC must also assess weather conditions, check the aircraft's mechanical status, and coordinate with air traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

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

To thrive as a Pilot In Command, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and significant flight hours. Mastery of avionics systems, flight management computers, and navigation tools is standard, along with recurrent simulator training. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient flight operations and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by a Pilot In Command during multi-crew operations?

As a Pilot In Command (PIC) in multi-crew operations, one of the main challenges is effective communication and decision-making under time pressure. The PIC must balance delegating tasks while maintaining overall responsibility for flight safety and compliance with regulations. Managing workload, especially during irregular operations or emergencies, requires strong leadership and trust within the crew. Additionally, adapting to varying personalities and experience levels among crew members is essential to ensure smooth collaboration and safe outcomes.

How much does a pilot in command make?

A pilot in command's salary varies based on experience, aircraft type, and employer, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually. Airline captains with seniority and extensive flight hours tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by per diem and benefits.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Pilots in roles such as airline captains for major carriers, especially those with seniority, extensive experience, and flying large aircraft, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High earnings typically come from long-haul international flights, additional pay, and bonuses, often requiring advanced certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and many years of experience.
What are popular job titles related to Pilot In Command jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Pilot In Command jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot In Command jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot In Command jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Pilot In Command jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Pilot In Command job openings:
Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot In Command job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 70% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,753 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Flight Test Operator I

Pivotal

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Responsibilities
  • Execute test plans with unmanned aircraft to test and optimize BlackFly's operational system and validate new hardware and software changes
  • Assemble, preflight, and maintain aircraft and ground equipment at flight testing sites
  • Become immersed in the design, operation, and maintenance of our aircraft
  • Develop hands-on experience with aircraft subsystems
  • Strategize with the team to coordinate logistics and validate aircraft
  • Maintain aircraft airframe, electronics and other components for operational
  • Troubleshoot and perform repairs and upgrades
  • Cooperate with the team as pilot-in-command (PIC) for Part 107 operations
  • Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements
  • Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or safety concerns
  • Conduct UAV flight testing with Flight Testing Team at test sites (you may do up to 25% travel, surveying sites or training
  • A flexible work schedule may be an option Ex: 10hrs -12 hrs/day for 4 days/week

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience through past work, training and/or personal projects
  • Strong attention to detail and safety-oriented mindset
  • Comfortable managing and manipulating data and documentation
  • Able to write in a clear and concise manner

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with electronics, batteries, motors, sensors and composites used in UAVs
  • Part 107 Certificate
  • Private Pilots License a plus
  • A&P Mechanic a plus
  • Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation

Personal Attributes
  • Thrive in a fast-moving, stimulating, and collaborative team environment
  • Resourceful, curious, never satisfied with the status quo
  • Strong work ethic, organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask
  • Always thinking about how to increase efficiency and improve processes
  • Proactive about solving problems and suggesting solutions
  • Strong work ethic and detail-oriented
  • Love for learning and being challenged

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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