Pilot Jobs in California
Pilot jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in commercial aviation, cargo operations, military contract flying, and regional airline service. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by carriers and operators such as United Airlines, FedEx, and Alaska Airlines, all of which maintain significant California operations. The most consistent openings are for airline transport pilots, cargo pilots, and corporate or charter pilots with instrument ratings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 55+ Pilot jobs
Job Description:
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs will be the focal point for technical content of applicable courseware for courseware development and revisions. Their in-depth knowledge of Joint Technical Data (JTD), service publications, and aircraft systems will allow them to provide accurate and consistent lesson content across a broad spectrum of training materials. Their understanding of syllabus flow and lesson content will help streamline training delivered to formal course students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
§ Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable formal course syllabi and instruction guide requirements
§ Conduct quality aircrew training device instruction, accomplish applicable syllabus, and mission guide requirements, and adhere to published Training and Readiness standards
§ Maintain weapons system expertise
§ Prepare classrooms or briefing rooms for instruction before the scheduled lesson or aircrew training device mission
§ Clean-up classrooms or briefing rooms, returning them to the pre-class or pre-mission condition
§ Evaluate and record student academic training, aircrew training device performance, and verbally debrief all errors committed
§ Conduct remedial student academic or aircrew training device instruction when required
§ Coordinate recommended corrective action and remedial training with the Lead Instructor and active-duty supervisors
§ Conduct student academic evaluations IAW applicable syllabi and correct to 100% by reviewing incorrect responses with students
§ Monitor courseware currency in applicable academic and trainer areas of responsibility and submit recommended revisions to the Lead Instructor
§ Support lesson plan and mission guide revision efforts
§ Support aircrew training device scenario design and programming efforts when directed by the Lead Instructor
§ Review test analysis and critique summaries to identify instruction and testing that requires revision and make recommended revisions
§ Coordinate lesson revision inputs with the Lead Instructor, other CIPs, and Courseware subcontractors, if required
§ Review monthly/quarterly flying literature, safety reports and Service publications for updated information to be incorporated into training materials
§ Participate in Human Factors Board (HFB), Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB), and Field Flight Performance Board (FFPB) proceedings as directed by the Training Operations Manager
§ Perform related additional duties as assigned by the Site Director or Training Operations Manager
§ Meet suspense dates for applicable new lessons and lesson revisions
§ Be available for student assistance, questions, and aircrew training device missions when not scheduled for formal academic instruction, aircrew training device instruction, or courseware development and revisions
Provide all levels of instructor operating station missions including, but not limited to, Forward Air Controller, Airborne Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation
Requirements:
Required Education and Experience
§ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 12 years or more of professional experience; or 10 years of professional experience with a related master’s degree
§ Candidate must meet the following basic requirements:
§ Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10)
§ Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) and multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft
§ Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule
§ Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements
§ Strong, proven verbal communication skills
§ Proven successful experience with instructional products and services, evaluating pilot training and leading pilot students
§ Basic MS Office suite skills
Security Responsibilities
This position is located at a facility that will require special access clearance.
§ Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 6 years
§ Must be able to attain and maintain F-35 Special Access Program (SAP) access.
§ Must be a US citizen Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance.
§ Must comply with all company Information Systems security policies and procedures.
§ Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance
Language Skills
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the complex word and technical documents/diagrams.
Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing and work effectively as part of a team.
Reasoning Ability and Mathematical Skills
Must be able to analyze problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. An ability to interpret complex customer requirements and attitudes from verbal, non-verbal, and written communication is desirable. Must be able to calculate figures and numbers, and percentages and be able to draw and interpret graphs. Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and drawings.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment and physical characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
§ Must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
§ Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladders.
§ Must be able to accommodate confined spaces.
§ Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top or under equipment.
§ Must be able to detect odors, noises, bangs, etc., or other sounds to detect discrepancies of malfunctioning equipment.
§ Must be able to distinguish colors.
§ Must be able to perform Domestic and International travel as required.
§ Shop floor environment.
§ Will be working in areas with risk of injury from electrical applications, moving mechanical parts, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems under pressure and electrical motion systems.
§ May be exposed to conditions of extreme heat, airborne particles, and loud noises.
Job Description:
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs will be the focal point for technical content of applicable courseware for courseware development and revisions. Their in-depth knowledge of Joint Technical Data (JTD), service publications, and aircraft systems will allow them to provide accurate and consistent lesson content across a broad spectrum of training materials. Their understanding of syllabus flow and lesson content will help streamline training delivered to formal course students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
§ Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable formal course syllabi and instruction guide requirements
§ Conduct quality aircrew training device instruction, accomplish applicable syllabus, and mission guide requirements, and adhere to published Training and Readiness standards
§ Maintain weapons system expertise
§ Prepare classrooms or briefing rooms for instruction before the scheduled lesson or aircrew training device mission
§ Clean-up classrooms or briefing rooms, returning them to the pre-class or pre-mission condition
§ Evaluate and record student academic training, aircrew training device performance, and verbally debrief all errors committed
§ Conduct remedial student academic or aircrew training device instruction when required
§ Coordinate recommended corrective action and remedial training with the Lead Instructor and active-duty supervisors
§ Conduct student academic evaluations IAW applicable syllabi and correct to 100% by reviewing incorrect responses with students
§ Monitor courseware currency in applicable academic and trainer areas of responsibility and submit recommended revisions to the Lead Instructor
§ Support lesson plan and mission guide revision efforts
§ Support aircrew training device scenario design and programming efforts when directed by the Lead Instructor
§ Review test analysis and critique summaries to identify instruction and testing that requires revision and make recommended revisions
§ Coordinate lesson revision inputs with the Lead Instructor, other CIPs, and Courseware subcontractors, if required
§ Review monthly/quarterly flying literature, safety reports and Service publications for updated information to be incorporated into training materials
§ Participate in Human Factors Board (HFB), Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB), and Field Flight Performance Board (FFPB) proceedings as directed by the Training Operations Manager
§ Perform related additional duties as assigned by the Site Director or Training Operations Manager
§ Meet suspense dates for applicable new lessons and lesson revisions
§ Be available for student assistance, questions, and aircrew training device missions when not scheduled for formal academic instruction, aircrew training device instruction, or courseware development and revisions
Provide all levels of instructor operating station missions including, but not limited to, Forward Air Controller, Airborne Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation
Requirements:
Required Education and Experience
§ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 12 years or more of professional experience; or 10 years of professional experience with a related master’s degree
§ Candidate must meet the following basic requirements:
§ Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10)
§ Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) and multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft
§ Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule
§ Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements
§ Strong, proven verbal communication skills
§ Proven successful experience with instructional products and services, evaluating pilot training and leading pilot students
§ Basic MS Office suite skills
Security Responsibilities
This position is located at a facility that will require special access clearance.
§ Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 6 years
§ Must be able to attain and maintain F-35 Special Access Program (SAP) access.
§ Must be a US citizen Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance.
§ Must comply with all company Information Systems security policies and procedures.
§ Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance
Language Skills
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the complex word and technical documents/diagrams.
Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing and work effectively as part of a team.
Reasoning Ability and Mathematical Skills
Must be able to analyze problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. An ability to interpret complex customer requirements and attitudes from verbal, non-verbal, and written communication is desirable. Must be able to calculate figures and numbers, and percentages and be able to draw and interpret graphs. Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and drawings.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment and physical characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
§ Must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
§ Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladders.
§ Must be able to accommodate confined spaces.
§ Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top or under equipment.
§ Must be able to detect odors, noises, bangs, etc., or other sounds to detect discrepancies of malfunctioning equipment.
§ Must be able to distinguish colors.
§ Must be able to perform Domestic and International travel as required.
§ Shop floor environment.
§ Will be working in areas with risk of injury from electrical applications, moving mechanical parts, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems under pressure and electrical motion systems.
§ May be exposed to conditions of extreme heat, airborne particles, and loud noises.
See All 55 Pilot Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Pilot JobsPilot Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Pilot Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Shield AI14
- ACI Jet3
- Wisk Aero3
- Advanced Air3
- Anduril2
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
- Medical Devices
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pilot jobs across California.
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate required for most California positions
- Current FAA First or Second Class medical certificate in good standing
- Minimum total flight hours as specified by the employer or FAA regulation
- Type rating or willingness to complete type rating training for specific aircraft
- Valid instrument rating and experience operating in Class B airspace
- Strong record of on-time performance and crew resource management proficiency
Pilot Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pilot in California?
Becoming a pilot in California follows the FAA certification path, not a state-issued license. You start with a Private Pilot Certificate, then build hours toward a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and ultimately an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate for airline work. California has numerous Part 141 flight schools, including programs at institutions like IASCO Flight Training and several community college aviation programs, that offer structured training recognized by major California carriers.
Which companies hire pilots in California?
Employers hiring pilots in California right now include Shield AI, ACI Jet, and Wisk Aero, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's combination of major international airports, large cargo hubs, and active charter market means demand comes from a wide range of operator types beyond mainline airlines.
Which California cities have the most pilot jobs?
The California cities with the most pilot openings are San Diego, Torrance, and Hawthorne. Los Angeles drives the largest share given LAX's status as a major international hub for multiple carriers, while San Francisco supports United Airlines' West Coast base and significant cargo operations, and San Diego reflects demand from both regional aviation and military contract flying in the area.
Are there remote pilot jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 13% of pilot openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, since most flying roles require physical presence in the cockpit or on the flight line. The small share of remote work in this field tends to involve flight simulation instruction, aviation safety analysis, or dispatcher and operations coordination roles that don't require active flying.
How can I get hired as a pilot in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for low-experience candidates is flight instruction, which builds hours while earning income. Many California regional carriers, including those operating under major airline brands out of LAX and SFO, recruit from flight schools and college aviation programs. Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor at a California Part 141 school lets you accumulate the hours needed to qualify for regional airline first officer positions, which are the standard stepping stone into commercial aviation.
Where can I find and apply to pilot jobs in California?
You can find and apply to pilot jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across airlines, cargo operators, charter companies, and corporate flight departments. Find the roles that fit your certificate level and experience, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 55 Pilot Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Pilot Jobs