Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

This role involves remotely piloting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during experimental and engineering test events, driving UAV test execution through key engineering milestones. The pilot will lead briefings and debriefings, coordinate with maintenance and engineering to resolve vehicle discrepancies, and support the development of test plans and procedures. The position is based at Edwards AFB, California, within Northrop Grumman's Flight Test Department.

Responsibilities

• Remotely pilots vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during experimental/ engineering/ ground and flight test events; 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.
• Support engineering with development of test plans, procedures, and test cards.
• Attend Air Vehicle and Mission System Technical Interchange Meetings, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and Flight Readiness Reviews.
• Candidate may conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's of Science degree 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.
• Position requires experience in flight test operations
• Must be FAA Commercial Multi & Single Engine instrument rated pilot (or military equivalent) plus current FAA Class II Medical or higher.
• Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command and able to maintain instrument currency in manned aircraft
• Must be able to work the occasional odd shift (Nights and Weekends)
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.

Nice to have

• Flight test experience
• Military flight experience highly desirable
• Previous experience operating UAVs
• Aviation instructor experience also highly desired
• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Benefits

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• 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.
• Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The 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. 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.