1

Pilot Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers * Operational experience in pilot chemical plants * Proficiency in techno-economic modeling * Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and ...

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers * Operational experience in pilot chemical plants * Proficiency in techno-economic modeling * Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and ...

Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers * Operational experience in pilot chemical plants * Proficiency in techno-economic modeling * Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and ...

Program Facilitator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Facilitator will be responsible for overseeing, designing, and delivering unique pilots ... Own and drive all aspects of teaching and assessing a once-weekly Internship Seminar for students ...

Program Facilitator

Oakland, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Facilitator will be responsible for overseeing, designing, and delivering unique pilots ... Own and drive all aspects of teaching and assessing a once-weekly Internship Seminar for students ...

Zipline offers both structured instruction and on-the-job training through a 3-4 month internship ... Act as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline's Autonomous Aircraft - executing mission profiles ...

Senior Bioprocess Scientist/Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead or support scale-up activities from laboratory development through pilot plant and commercial ... Mentor junior scientists, engineers, interns, and technicians while fostering a collaborative and ...

Direct and support interns and team members on key policy and research projects. * Coordinate with ... Design a visual pilot project platform outlining overarching goals, guiding principles ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pilot Internship information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do pilot internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot internship in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Intern, you need a solid understanding of aviation fundamentals, basic flight training, and at least a private pilot's license or enrollment in an accredited aviation program. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation software, and navigation systems is typically expected. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills are vital for safe and effective operations in a cockpit environment. These competencies ensure readiness for further pilot training and contribute to safety, efficiency, and professionalism in the aviation industry.

What types of responsibilities and experiences can I expect during a pilot internship?

During a pilot internship, you can expect to engage in a range of activities designed to provide hands-on exposure to commercial or corporate aviation operations. Typical responsibilities include assisting with pre-flight checks, observing flight planning and weather briefings, and sometimes shadowing experienced pilots during actual flights. Interns often learn about cockpit resource management, aviation safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. The work environment is highly structured, emphasizing teamwork and communication with ground staff, instructors, and flight crews. These experiences not only build technical skills but also give valuable insights into the daily realities and challenges of a professional pilot’s career.

What is a pilot internship?

A pilot internship is a structured work experience program designed for aspiring pilots, typically students or recent graduates, to gain hands-on exposure to the aviation industry. Interns may work with airlines, flight schools, or aviation companies, assisting with daily operations, learning about flight procedures, and sometimes participating in supervised flight training. These internships provide valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and practical experience that can help candidates advance their careers as professional pilots. Some programs may also include mentorship and educational workshops.

What are the qualifications to get a pilot internship?

The primary qualifications for getting a pilot internship are a high school diploma or equivalent. You typically need to be at least 18-years-old, pass a health test, and have the intention of pursuing a pilot's license or be enrolled in an aviation degree program. Employers prefer applicants who have strong communication skills, leadership skills, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly. You must also be willing to learn all the aspects of being a pilot beyond flying a plane. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a pilot internship requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and the ability to read pilot charts.

What is the difference between Pilot Internship vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPilot InternshipFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsStudent pilot license or private pilot licenseCommercial pilot license and flight instructor certificate
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, or flight schools for trainingFlight schools, private aircraft, or flight training centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aviation companies, flight training programsFlight schools, private flight training
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While a Pilot Internship provides hands-on experience for aspiring pilots, often focusing on training and observation, a Flight Instructor is a licensed pilot who teaches students how to fly, requiring additional certifications. Both roles are essential in aviation training, but they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Internship jobs? Cities in California with the most Pilot Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Pilot Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,523 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Associate Metallurgical Engineer

Mariana Minerals

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Role Overview
Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated Associate Metallurgical Engineer to support process development activities and pilot-scale testing for our CopperOne mine pilot facility in San Francisco. You will work alongside experienced engineers and technicians supporting our bioleaching columns and other pilot-scale equipment used to develop new mining technologies. This is a hands-on, entry-level role where you will help transition technologies from laboratory research to pilot testing and ultimately commercial mining. You will work closely with R&D, technicians, metallurgists, and cross-functional teams to learn, contribute, and help improve our processes.
What You'll Do
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and improve leaching columns and other pilot-scale processing equipment in collaboration with technicians
  • Design and execute pilot-scale experiments with guidance from senior engineers
  • Develop and maintain key process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and mass balances
  • Analyze experimental and operational data to help identify opportunities for process improvement
  • Support development of automated monitoring and optimization tools in collaboration with software and machine learning teams
  • Support safe operations by following EHS procedures and assisting with hazard assessments, risk management, and management of change processes

What You'll Bring
  • B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field
  • 0-2 years of relevant experience through internships, research, co-ops, or full-time work
  • Strong problem-solving skills and an interest in experimental process development
  • Experience analyzing data using Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools is a plus
  • Strong commitment to Health, Safety, and Environmental compliance
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and teamwork skills
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, learning new skills, and collaborating across teams

Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.