Deployable Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Top Secret (AHT)

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Are you ready to put your experience to work at Northrop Grumman? If so, our Northrop Grumman Defense Systems wants you to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals for position based in Chantilly, Virginia as a Senior Principal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot.  

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will 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. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex flight programs and flight test events. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating. 

Pilot will work in greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically/as scheduled as part of their job responsibilities.  All initial position training will be conducted at our Chantilly, VA facility (4-6 months). 

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 9 years of relevant experience with High School Diploma or GED; 5 years’ experience with bachelor’s in science; 3 years with master's degree.

• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.

• Must be proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.

• Must be 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.

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.

• Must meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.

• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.

• Must be willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.  

• Must have an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.

• Must have a minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane and powered lift)

• Must be able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.

• Must 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 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.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.