Pilot Jobs in California
Pilot jobs in California represent one of the most active aviation markets in the country, concentrated across commercial airlines, cargo carriers, charter operations, and aerial firefighting, with openings for candidates from student pilot certificate holders through captains with thousands of flight hours. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, where carriers and operators including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and FedEx Express maintain significant bases and crew requirements. Demand is especially strong for commercial airline first officers, cargo pilots, and qualified instructors holding FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificates. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are looking for a Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the certification group to verify and validate a revolutionary new aircraft design. Wisk recognizes the challenges that the UAM industry faces with regard to the certification path for our vehicles. We are taking a pragmatic approach to this task and consequently are looking for experienced flight test personnel to join our talented team to make the certification process as efficient and effective as possible.
Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity working from our Hollister, CA flight test facility. Occasional travel to offsite test locations and training facilities will be part of the scope of your duties.
Responsibilities
- Author air vehicle and subsystem test plans
- Evaluate hazards posed by the method and scope of test, and establish appropriate mitigations
- Perform flight tests, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un-crewed aircraft systems
- Develop, review and approve trajectory planning for our UAS mission profiles
- Report test results to a standard required by certification authorities
- Support the development of program documentation including restrictions and special instructions to test, Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
- Mentor and lead fellow flight testers, supporting their professional development while exemplifying the elements of Wisk’s Safety Management System.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 8+ years experience as a test pilot in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft or similarly complex aerospace systems.
- FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing)
- Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate
- Bachelors of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
- Depth of experience with both Flight and Operations Safety Risk Management
- Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design
- Experience mission-relating engineering data to operational use cases.
- Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Test Pilot role: 1500+ hours of flight experience, with 200+ hrs in flight test
- Test Specialist role: 250+ hours of flight experience
- Graduate of an engineering test pilot school or program.
- Experience conducting flight programs pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification
- Unmanned aircraft flight operations experience
- Electric propulsion or high stored energy test experience
- Both fixed-wing and turbine-engine rotary-wing flight test experience
- Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience
- Formal formation flight training and subsequent formation flight experience
- Masters degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
- Familiarity with MBSE processes
JOB TYPE
Full-time
COMPENSATION
Pay range the company expects to pay: $159,000 - $199,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.
See All 40 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
- Viasat8

- Joby Aviation4

- PHI Air Medical3

- Equinox Holdings2

- Life Time2

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware9
- Aerospace & Defense8
- Sports & Recreation8
- Telecommunications8
- Technology & Software6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pilot jobs across California.
- Valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate required for airline and cargo roles
- Minimum total flight hours specified by employer, often aligned with FAA Part 121 requirements
- Current FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate required for commercial operations
- Type rating in specific aircraft such as Boeing 737, 757, or Airbus A320 frequently required
- Current instrument rating and multi-engine land privileges on FAA commercial certificate
- Background check compliance with TSA and DOT drug and alcohol testing program required
Pilot Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pilot in California?
Becoming a pilot in California follows FAA certification pathways rather than a state-issued license, since aviation credentials are federally issued. You'll need to earn FAA certificates progressing from Student Pilot through Private, Instrument, Commercial, and ultimately the Airline Transport Pilot certificate for airline roles. California has numerous Part 141 flight schools approved by the FAA where you can complete structured training, and a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field strengthens applications at major carriers.
Which companies hire pilots in California?
Employers hiring pilots in California right now include Viasat, Joby Aviation, and PHI Air Medical, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's major air carrier bases, cargo hubs, and regional charter operators make it one of the most consistently active states for pilot recruitment across commercial, freight, and specialty aviation.
Which California cities have the most pilot jobs?
Carlsbad, Marina, and Palo Alto account for the greatest concentration of pilot openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco anchor the market as major airline hub cities with large crew bases for domestic and international carriers, while Sacramento and the Central Valley support agricultural aviation, aerial firefighting contracts, and regional charter operations that drive openings in those areas.
Are there remote pilot jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. Piloting is an inherently on-site role requiring physical aircraft operation, so most positions are based at specific airports or crew bases. About 0% of pilot openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects the small subset of roles such as simulator instruction, unmanned aircraft systems operations, and aviation training curriculum development that can be performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a pilot in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a position as a flight instructor at a California Part 141 or Part 61 flight school, which builds flight hours while earning income. Large California-based regional carriers and charter operators regularly hire low-hour commercial pilots who meet FAA minimums and are willing to start in right-seat first officer roles. Holding a current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, combined with a clean FAA record, gives candidates the strongest edge when applying to California regional airlines or corporate operators.
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 openings from employers hiring in California right now. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your certificate level and experience, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 40 Pilot Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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