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Pilot Single Engine Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required) * Logbook and/or ...

Global Hawk Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with Instrument Rating. * Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command * Current Class II or ...

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required) * Logbook and/or ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Redding, CA · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Redding, CA · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required. * Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous ...

Showing results 21-40

Pilot Single Engine information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot single engine jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot single engine in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a single engine pilot do?

As a single engine pilot, your job is to fly a small aircraft for commercial or governmental needs. In this role, you participate in business or emergency operations, gain additional flight hours, and maintain or improve your pilot's license. Single engine pilots sometimes work on call in shifts. For example, if you fly a firefighting plane, the county government may call you out to participate in firefighting operations at any time. Other single engine pilots, particularly those in recreational sectors, tend to work exclusively during regular hours. Many single engine pilots also work as instructors. In some jobs, you may be asked to carry cargo or deliver items within a specific timeframe.

What does a pilot single engine do?

Single Engine Pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, conducting thorough aircraft inspections, and ensuring all flight instruments and safety equipment are operational before departure. Throughout the flight, they monitor navigation systems, communicate with air traffic control, manage fuel consumption, and make real-time decisions based on weather and airspace conditions. Post-flight duties include completing flight logs, coordinating maintenance checks, and debriefing with relevant team members or passengers. The role often requires flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and environments, which makes attention to detail and strong organizational skills especially valuable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the pilot single engine position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Single Engine, you need solid aeronautical knowledge, strong situational awareness, and a valid pilot's license such as a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate with necessary endorsements. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, weather radar, and FAA regulations is typically required. Excellent decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills help pilots handle unexpected challenges and coordinate effectively with crew members and air traffic control. These skills are essential to ensure flight safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth operations in varied flying conditions.

What is a pilot single engine?

A Pilot Single Engine job involves operating aircraft with a single engine for various purposes such as charter flights, aerial surveys, crop dusting, or recreational flying. Pilots must have the appropriate licenses, such as a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Single-Engine rating. Responsibilities include flight planning, performing pre-flight checks, navigating, ensuring passenger and cargo safety, and complying with aviation regulations. Many pilots gain experience in single-engine aircraft before advancing to multi-engine or commercial airline roles.

More about Pilot Single Engine jobs

What job categories do people searching Pilot Single Engine jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Single Engine jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Single Engine jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pilot Single Engine job openings:

Infographic showing various Pilot Single Engine job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

ER-2 Research Pilot

i3

Edwards, CA • On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) Aircrew member performs duties in support of the operations of all aircraft assigned to applicable base location. Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe operations are provided as tasked. Aircraft are operated to meet Agency platform, research, and support aircraft requirements. AFRC aircraft are located at the main campus at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Deployed operations, both CONUS and OCONUS, are routine for these aircrew positions.

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on ER-2 (U-2) and a variety of other NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: Gulfstream III, Gulfstream IV Beechcraft King Air, C-20A, F-18 A/B, F-15 B/D, RQ-4 Global Hawk, T-34C, TG-14.

Pay Range $170,000-$185,000.

The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

To learn more about the work done at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) check out these videos: 

Advancing NASA's mission to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center 2023 Highlights

Responsibilities
  • Conducting flight operations in accordance with FAA, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and other applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
  • Maintaining performance standards in accordance with directives, training plans and Flight Crew Branch policies to include: Knowledge of safety precautions, Knowledge of airfield operations.
  • Demonstrating Emergency Bold Face procedures from memory, and Knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations and ATC regulations / procedures.
  • Participating in i3 and NASA-directed Continuation Training, meetings, and other forums mandated by the on-site management team.
  • Performing any and all on-site tasks necessary at operating locations for a safe, secure, and professional operation.
  • Direct support to any administrative or flight operations scheduling / record keeping as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Candidate must also maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements in accordance with NPR 7900.3C, NPD 7900.4D, AFPD 8700.1 and AFOP 7900.3-006 as applicable.

NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic simulator training.

NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for aircrew.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited university or college (Required), with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics (Desired).
  • Must be able to pass random drug screenings. (Required)
  • Possess a current US passport, valid through period of employment. (Required)
  • Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or applicable civilian experience. (Highly Desired)
  • Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required)
  • Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots preferred to have at least 1000 hours in the U-2 and have been a current U-2 pilot within the past five years to be qualified to begin duty as a NASA ER-2 (Highly Desired).
  • Must meet the security requirements of the position and pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification (Required).

Required Experience:

  • Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor providing direct support to NASA AFRC staff as required.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must be able to create, maintain and update briefings and statistical reporting.
  • Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Light to medium work.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, see, hear, stoop, crouch, feel, handle; manual dexterity.
  • Outside work. Ability to tolerate conditions in a deployed environment to include inclement weather, rain, humidity, cold and extreme heat. May be exposed to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and confined spaces.
  • Close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and instructions; procedures, safety instructions, memos, reports.
  • Ability to write at a level to relay data, details and information.
  • Ability to perform shop math.
  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely to relay information.

Office conditions:

  • Moderate noise level.
  • May be required to sit at computer station and/or type on keyboard for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to lift objects such as laptop and office copy paper.
  • May be required to view and read computer monitor for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to take verbal messages per phone and face-to-face contact.
  • Will occasionally be required to stand and walk to deliver items within office or on the flight line.

Flight line working conditions:

  • Will be required to work day or night.
  • May be exposed to high noise levels.
  • Will be required to fly long missions (up to 12 hours) at high altitude in a confined space.

May be subject to the altitude or physiological risks normally associated with flying.

About i3

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.  

Perks of being a team member owner include:

  • Long-term financial security
  • Higher job satisfaction
  • Greater job security
  • Personal and professional growth
  • Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

  • Excellent insurance coverage
  • 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO
  • Health and wellness incentives
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

 

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME