Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman

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Patuxent River, Maryland

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PERMANENT

Updated 09/17/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START

Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE

Top SecretTRAVEL:

Yes, 25 of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Pilot - Unmanned Air Vehicle​ to join the team of qualified individuals. Position is located in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.

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.

Help shape the future of unmanned maritime ISR as the Sr. Principal Pilot (AVO) on the MQ-4C Triton Integrated Test Team (ITT) at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. From NAS Patuxent River, you will lead developmental and operational flight efforts that validate Triton performance and directly support mission readiness and national security. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with diverse test assignments and high expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Remotely pilot Triton UAV to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers
• Define, plan, organize and execute complex flight profiles and flight test events in support of program milestones
• Conduct briefings and debriefings, and coordinate 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

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.

Basic Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelor of Science AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Masters degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.

D. AND 4

years of related professional/military experience.

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.

Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating and a minimum of 500 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft

Must have at least 250 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4.

Current Class II or higher FAA medical certificate

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in Aviation or Aerospace

Test Pilot School graduate

P-3 or P-8 Military Flight Experience

Qualified Global Hawk or Triton UAS Pilot

200 hours of PC/PIC time during engineering flight test, and 10 hours during experimental flight test.

1,000 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft

700 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4.

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 candidates 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.

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