Sr. Principal Pilot Test – PAX River

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Pilot Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located in Patuxent River, MD.

In this role, you will support E-2D air vehicle and mission systems, ground and flight tests as well as the E-2D Integrated Test Team (ITT). Occasional collateral duties to include E-2D test program support include Japan Wet Outer Wing envelope expansion, Hawkeye Cockpit Technical Refresh (HECTR) program, and Foreign Military Sales programs, future air vehicle development programs, DSSC upgrade development testing, future mission systems development programs, and E-2D production.  Candidate will support engineering, systems safety, and the E-2 program with development of systems and air vehicle test plans, procedures, and test cards.  Candidate will also provide NATOPS manual inputs and conduct E-2 aircrew training. Candidate shall display professionalism, leadership, have a strong work ethic, work well with others, and be able to function as member of the E-2D Integrated Product Team. Domestic and potential prolonged international travel may be required up to 50%.  

Key Responsibilities:   

• Provide oversight for development of test plans / test cards to ensure safety and efficiency
• Lead pre-flight briefs to efficiently coordinate complex air vehicle testing with large team of aircrew and engineers
• Lead post-flight debriefs to collect relevant test data and ensure lessons learned are captured for future testing
• Execute test missions as pilot in command during real-time, high risk experimental flight test missions
• Coordinate group training events to encourage continued learning within the test team
• Train and mentor Pilots and Flight Test Engineers
• Incorporate “lessons learned” and process improvements to maintain / improve safety and efficiency within the team
• Author pilot daily reports highlighting details of test missions
• Manage NATOPS and aircrew training materials changes

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s of Science degree AND 9 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master’s of Science degree AND 7 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience OR 13 years of related professional/military experience in lieu of a degree
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance prior to the commencement of employment
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
• Must have FAA commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument rating 
• Must have current or former E-2D pilot NATOPS Qualification
• Must be able to pass FAA Class II physical as a condition of employment 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Military or nationally recognized Test Pilot School graduate or be able to obtain a NAVAIR Test Pilot School (TPS) waiver
• Test Pilot school instructor experience desired
• Experience working with foreign military personnel
• Aviation curriculum development experience
• Naval Aviation or USAF Safety Officer School graduate
• NATOPS model manager experience
• Instructor pilot experience
• Carrier suitability, Structural loads, and Aerial Refueling test experience desired
• 500+ flight hours experience in E-2/C-2

Salary Range: $157,000 USD - $235,400 USD

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

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.