Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Listed on 2026-07-20
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Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics -
Transportation
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:
Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE:
Top Secret
TRAVEL:
Yes, 50% of the Time
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 is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA.
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- 12 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree and 6 years of experience
- 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, helicopter, 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.
- 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.
Primary Level Salary Range: $ - $
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…
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