Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman•Chantilly, VA

3d•$156,400 - $234,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join their team. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. They will remotely pilot the vehicle to determine compliance with specifications and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. The role involves defining, planning, organizing, and executing complex flight programs and flight test events. Responsibilities include conducting briefings and debriefings, and coordinating with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. The pilot may also conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials, or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities, and system capabilities. The pilot will work in the greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically. Initial position training will be conducted at the Chantilly, VA facility for 4-6 months.

Requirements

12 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree and 6 years of experience
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
Proficient using MS Office applications and experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
Willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
Meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.
Willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
Willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.
FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
Minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane, helicopter, powered lift).
Ability to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
Possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.
Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.
U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Nice To Haves

Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
Previous simulator instructor experience.
Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
Previous military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights.
Remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers.
Define, plan, organize, and execute complex flight programs and flight test events.
Conduct briefings and debriefings.
Coordinate with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies.
Conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.