Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an exciting career opportunity for a Sr. Principal Pilot Unmanned Air Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in support of MQ-4C Triton program test and evaluation (T&E) activities as an Air Vehicle Operator (AVO). 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.
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels. The selected candidate should have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills. The selected candidate must be willing to work in a flexible work schedule that may include first or second shift, extended shifts, weekends and holidays.
Essential Functions:
Remotely pilots Triton UAV 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 profiles and flight test events in support of program milestones
Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates 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:
Bachelorβs Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline with 9 Years experience or; Masterβs Degree in STEM with 7 years experience or; PhD in STEM with 4 years experience
Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating and a minimum of 1,000 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft
Must have at least 2,000 hours PC/PIC time (not in SUAS) or 500 hours in MQ-4.
Current Class II or higher FAA medical certificate
Must have an Interim DOD Top Secret clearance with an investigation in the last 6 years with the ability to obtain and retain a DOD Top Secret and SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
BS degree in Aviation or Aerospace
Test Pilot School graduate
P-3 or P-8 Military Flight Experience
Qualified Global Hawk or Triton UAS Pilot
Active DOD Top Secret clearance
200 hours of PC/PIC time during engineering flight test, and 10 hours during experimental flight test.