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 Staff 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. Additionally, the unmanned aerial vehicle pilot will participate in engineering development, planning, and execution of policies and procedures as necessary for progressive and future development of test platforms and to meet customer performance requirements. Responsibilities will also include training and qualification development, participation in safety review boards, as well as instructor and evaluator responsibilities to develop new crew members. Plans, evaluates, and coordinates test plans and procedures for engineering, customers, and production. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of flight, navigation, planning and test execution. Propose solutions to management to ensure all customer requirements and objectives are met as required. Prepares and assists in planning of flight or crew scheduling in conjunction with management. Coordinate with customer engineering, production, and development entities to ensure smooth deployment of new or updated capabilities.
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:
A minimum of 16 years of relevant experience with High School Diploma or GED; 12 years’ experience with bachelor’s in science; 10 years with masters degree, 8 years with PhD
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
Proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
Able/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.
Ability to 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.
An FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
A minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane and powered lift)
Able to obtain/maintain 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
Simulator instructor experience
Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
Military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.
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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.