Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Chantilly, VA +1 · Flight Operations Mult-Func

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to pilot UAVs during developmental test and operational flights, ensuring compliance with specifications and operational suitability. The role involves planning and executing complex flight programs, coordinating with maintenance, and potentially conducting customer demonstration flights. Requires an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate, significant flight hours, and a Top Secret security clearance.

What you'd actually do

  1. Pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights.
  2. 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.
  3. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex flight programs and flight test events.
  4. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies.
  5. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

Skills

Required

  • 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
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient using MS Office applications
  • Experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View
  • Willing to work a flexible work schedule
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate
  • Possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance
  • Willing to undergo a polygraph
  • Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission

Nice to have

  • 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

What the JD emphasized

  • Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating.
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.