Northrop Grumman | Pilot

Staff Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot

Northrop Grumman is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot to join its Test & Evaluation organization within Aeronautics Systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to revolutionary systems that shape the future of aviation. Northrop Grumman employees are part of a pioneering and inventive culture, working on projects from the first flight across the Atlantic to advanced stealth bombers and space exploration. The company fosters an environment that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and a drive to achieve the seemingly impossible.

As a Staff UAS Pilot, the successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting developmental test and production acceptance flights. This position requires a professional dedicated to safety, precision, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Defines test plans, organizes, and executes complex flight programs and flight test events, adhering to applicable military, FAA, and ICAO procedures.
• Conducts pre-flight and post-flight briefings and debriefings.
• Coordinates closely with maintenance personnel to analyze and rectify vehicle discrepancies.
• Performs demonstration flights for customers, government officials, or other personnel to showcase vehicle performance, flying qualities, and system capabilities as required.
• Travels to test or customer sites to support operations.
• Successfully completes required UAS training and qualification to maintain employment eligibility.

The position offers a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, providing excellent learning opportunities, exposure to a diverse range of projects and customers, and a collaborative team environment. Northrop Grumman seeks self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented professionals passionate about advancing aviation services.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree with 12 years of related professional/military experience including aerospace test activities, OR a Master's degree with 10 years of related experience, OR a Doctorate degree with 8 years of related experience.
• Proven experience serving as a flight operations crew member.
• Holds a commercial instrument rated pilot certification (FAA or military equivalent) with a current FAA Class II Medical or higher.
• Accumulated a minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command in manned aircraft and maintains instrument currency.
• Possesses an active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Ability to support 50% travel to various locations within the U.S., including supporting operations at Grand Sky in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current type rating as a pilot on RQ-4 aircraft.
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School.
• Extensive military flight experience.
• Experience in flight test environments.
• Background as an aviation instructor.
• Holds a DoD Top Secret Clearance.

Additional Information:

• Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates.
• Required Clearance Type: Secret
• Travel Expectation: Approximately 50% of the time, including supporting Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Salary Range: $188,200.00 - $282,200.00. The specific salary offer is determined based on factors including the scope of the position, responsibilities, candidate's experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for additional compensation such as overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses. Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plans, company-paid holidays, and paid time off.

The estimated application period is 20 days from the job posting date, subject to business needs and candidate availability.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit the Northrop Grumman careers website. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring a government clearance.