Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Pilot - Unmanned Air Vehicle to join the team of qualified individuals. Position is located in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. This is a work onsite position, located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD with occasional travel to support Production operations in Palmdale, CA. Help shape the future of unmanned maritime ISR as the Sr. Principal Pilot (AVO) on the MQ-4C Triton Integrated Test Team (ITT) at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. From NAS Patuxent River, you will lead developmental and operational flight efforts that validate Triton performance and directly support mission readiness and national security. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with diverse test assignments and high expectations.

Responsibilities

• Remotely pilot Triton UAV 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 profiles and flight test events in support of program milestones
• Conduct briefings and debriefings, and coordinate with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies
• Act as NATOPS Instructor or Examiner as required
• Must successfully complete company UAV operator training and qualification program and receive GFR certification

Basic qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience
• Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
• Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating and a minimum of 500 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft
• Must have at least 250 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4
• Current Class II or higher FAA medical certificate
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment

Preferred qualifications

• Degree in Aviation or Aerospace
• Test Pilot School graduate
• P-3 or P-8 Military Flight Experience
• Qualified Global Hawk or Triton UAS Pilot
• 200 hours of PC/PIC time during engineering flight test, and 10 hours during experimental flight test
• 1,000 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft
• 700 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Schedule

9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. Relocation assistance may be available. Travel required: 25% of the time.