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Simulator Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Corporate pilot will communicate regularly with the Assistant chief pilots, to ensure that all ... simulator training, maintaining flight proficiency and knowledge of all flight operations ...

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes ... FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and ...

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes ... FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and ...

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... simulator training NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for ...

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... simulator training. NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for ...

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes ... FAA Flight Test Pilot DER-T * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and ...

UAS Test Pilot, EP San Diego, CA Flight Testing In office Full-time Who We Are At Firestorm, we're ... Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development

UAS Test Pilot, RPIC/EP San Diego, CA Flight Testing In office Full-time Who We Are At Firestorm, w ... Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development

Showing results 21-40

Simulator Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do simulator pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Public Notice for Airplane Pilot

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Department of Transportation
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Direct hiring authority for the 2181 series is being used to fill this position. Public Notices serve as a resume repository, and positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Qualifications:

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on their responses within the application package and Supplemental Qualifications Statement, FAA Form 3330-47-3 ASIP (10/98).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Certificates and Ratings: All applicants must possess either a valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land AND instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating. *Selected candidates without an ATP certificate will be required to successfully complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.* In addition, all applicants must possess either a valid first or second-class medical certificate. *Selected candidates must obtain a first class medical certificate prior to appointment.*

TOTAL FLIGHT TIME - 1500 Hours

Flight time as a pilot in command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placement actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may be waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: 1) applicant holds the required certificates and ratings; 2) applicant has acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; 3) applicant meets the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and 4) applicant's flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME - 250 Hours

Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

NIGHT FLYING TIME - 75 Hours

For in-service placement actions, 25 hours may be waived if the applicant demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

FLYING TIME, LAST 12 MONTHS - 100 Hours

For in-service placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the applicant's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. NOTE: Flight time in an FAA approved level C or D full flight simulator is creditable towards meeting the recency of flight experience. If applicable, applicant must document time in the Airplane PIC or SIC blocks of the Total in Last 12 Months section of the FAA Form 3330-47-3.

MULTIENGINE AIRPLANE TIME - 500 Hours

Experience may have been in either light or heavy multi-engine airplanes.

INSTRUMENT TIME - 75 Hours

At least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

In order to verify your flight hours, applicants MUST provide FAA Form 3330-47-3. Click here to obtain a copy of the required form.

AND

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and either a valid First or Second Class Medical Certificate. Selected candidates must obtain a First Class Medical Certificate prior to appointment.

NOTE: To qualify at the FV-J (FG-14) level, applicants must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) AND possess an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) Credential.

AND

In addition to the basic requirements, there may be specialized experience requirements at the next lower level for the position(s) being filled. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Applicants should include specialized experience in their Work History. Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA.

Education:

KSA INFORMATION:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Quality Ranking Factor(s) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Employment Type: OTHER

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