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Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You'll lead both developmental and operational flight testing, acting as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) while coordinating test logistics, flight procedures, and safety operations. This role ...

US Department of the Air Force

CA · On-site

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the ...

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

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 ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

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 ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot duties and is responsible for supervisory activities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To view a full summary of ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

CA · On-site

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

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 ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data. Your key responsibilities will include flying drones ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data. Your key responsibilities will include flying drones ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency ...

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All JobsPilot JobsPilot Jobs in California

Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot 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 do pilots do?

Pilots operate aircraft, flying people and cargo all over the world. Their job duties vary, depending on their industry. They conduct pre-flight checks to ensure the plane is in good order, coordinate with air traffic control, and assess and adjust flight paths as needed. Commercial plots update passengers on commercial flights or transport products on cargo flights. Some may even perform specialized duties, such as crop dusting in the farming industry.

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

To thrive as a Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, situational awareness, and a valid commercial pilot’s license with appropriate ratings. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation equipment, and aviation safety protocols is essential, often supported by certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Exceptional communication, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges pilots face during irregular flight schedules, and how can they manage them?

Pilots often contend with irregular flight schedules, including overnight flights and frequent time zone changes, which can impact sleep patterns and overall well-being. Managing fatigue is crucial, so most airlines provide guidance on rest requirements and encourage pilots to prioritize sleep and healthy habits. Building resilience to schedule changes, maintaining good communication with scheduling teams, and leveraging support from colleagues can help pilots adapt more smoothly to these challenges.

What is the difference between Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

AspectPilotFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCabin Crew Certification, First Aid & Safety Training
Work EnvironmentFlight decks, cockpit, cockpit crewPassenger cabin, galley, airport terminals
Industry UsageAirlines, cargo carriers, private aviationCommercial airlines, charter services
Job FocusOperating aircraft, navigation, safetyPassenger safety, service, comfort

While pilots are responsible for flying and navigating aircraft, flight attendants focus on passenger safety and comfort. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but require different certifications and work environments. Pilots typically hold advanced licenses and operate from the cockpit, whereas flight attendants work in the passenger cabin ensuring a positive travel experience.

Is there a demand for pilots now?

The demand for pilots remains strong due to ongoing growth in commercial aviation, cargo transport, and private flying. Airlines and other operators are actively hiring pilots with current certifications and experience, especially as travel resumes post-pandemic and fleet expansions continue.

What types of jobs can you get as a pilot?

Pilots can work in various roles including airline transport pilots, commercial pilots, cargo pilots, charter pilots, corporate pilots, and flight instructors. These jobs involve operating different types of aircraft, often requiring specific certifications such as a commercial pilot license or airline transport pilot certificate, and may involve varying schedules and environments.
More about Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:

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For Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pilot job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot jobs in CA?

For Pilot jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Pilot

Poseidon Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace: Poseidon Aerospace builds and operates unmanned planes for commercial logistics and defense missions. Our two full-size fixed-wing platforms - Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft - can carry two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. We are headquartered in San Francisco with satellite offices in Washington, DC and Maine.

As a Flight Operations Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will plan, execute, and oversee flight operations for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You'll lead both developmental and operational flight testing, acting as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) while coordinating test logistics, flight procedures, and safety operations. This role bridges engineering and flight, requiring a deep understanding of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the ability to translate technical objectives into safe, efficient, and repeatable flight operations.

Responsibilities
  • Define and manage flight test plans, objectives, and procedures for aircraft development and validation
  • Operate Poseidon aircraft as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during flight testing and operational demonstrations
  • Lead flight readiness reviews, preflight briefings, and postflight debriefings with engineering and test teams
  • Work closely with avionics, propulsion, and airframe engineers to ensure flight systems are configured, tested, and documented correctly
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency checklists, and flight manuals
  • Analyze flight data and provide feedback to engineering teams for system tuning, safety improvements, and performance validation
  • Ensure all operations comply with FAA regulations and internal safety management protocols
  • Plan and coordinate ground operations, range logistics, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns
  • Inform the long-term operational strategy, including autonomous and remote-pilot operational concepts
Ideal Qualifications
  • Experience operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in test or operational environments
  • Strong understanding of flight test principles, safety management, and system validation
  • Knowledge of airspace coordination, mission planning software, and regulatory requirements (Part 107, COA, or experimental certification)
  • Familiarity with telemetry systems, flight data logging, and postflight analysis
  • Ability to write and maintain detailed test documentation, SOPs, and operational guidelines
  • Comfortable working in a hands-on test environment with evolving aircraft configurations
  • Collaborative mindset with strong communication skills across engineering and operations teams
  • Ability to balance disciplined flight operations with startup-level agility and decision-making
Nice to have
  • Experience as an RPIC for large or complex UAS platforms (Group 3–5, e.g., Reaper, Global Hawk, or similar)
  • Background in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering
  • Experience with flight test instrumentation and telemetry ground stations
  • Knowledge of remote pilot interface systems, autopilot tuning, and mission control workflows
  • Experience supporting or leading field test campaigns for new aircraft platforms
  • Manned or unmanned pilot experience beyond Part 107
  • Familiarity with X-Plane or other simulation environments

Even if you don\'t meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.

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