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Simulator Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award ... Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based ...

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high ...

New

Supports pilot training in the F-35 simulator and academic classroom. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in ...

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Operate Poseidon aircraft as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during flight testing and ... Familiarity with X-Plane or other simulation environments Even if you don\'t meet every ...

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Provides engineering test pilot expertise and safety guidance to flight test engineers for design definition, simulator flights, test planning, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting ...

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Provides engineering test pilot expertise and safety guidance to flight test engineers for design definition, simulator flights, test planning, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes

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Showing results 1-20

Simulator Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do simulator pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulator 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 is a simulator pilot?

A Simulator Pilot operates flight simulators to support pilot training, aircraft testing, or research. They simulate real-world flight scenarios to help pilots practice procedures, emergency situations, and new aircraft systems. This role is commonly found in aviation training centers, military programs, or aerospace companies. Simulator Pilots must have strong aviation knowledge, and many are experienced pilots or instructors.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a simulator pilot?

Simulator Pilots spend their workdays operating sophisticated flight simulators to replicate various flight scenarios for trainee pilots or crews, ensuring each session accurately mirrors real-world conditions. They often collaborate with instructors to develop training scenarios, monitor performance, and provide real-time feedback and debriefs following simulation sessions. Additional responsibilities may include updating simulator software, troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining detailed training records. This role is dynamic and interactive, requiring teamwork, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to training excellence.

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

To thrive as a Simulator Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation principles, strong situational awareness, and typically a commercial pilot’s license or equivalent flight training. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, simulator control systems, and scenario scripting software is crucial for accurately replicating real-world conditions. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and attention to detail help Simulator Pilots effectively debrief trainees and coordinate with training teams. These skills and qualities ensure realistic training environments, safety, and high-quality learning experiences for pilot trainees.

What are popular job titles related to Simulator Pilot jobs in California?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Simulator Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

FlightSafety International

March Air Reserve Base, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

Salary Range: $0-$1,099,998.00 Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. Benefits: FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits

About FlightSafety International FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum. Tasks and Responsibilities Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft. Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.

Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses. Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency. Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions.

Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required. Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise. Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures.

Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems. Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures. Operate Student Management System.

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Education Bachelor's degree required. Minimum Experience Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.

Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.

Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs. Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.

Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance. Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel.

The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud.

The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor. FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs

A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S

law. This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address. FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers. Apply


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