Summary written by USA Jobs 24 from Northrop Grumman's advert and our data on 17,030 current US jobs. How we check every job
At a glance
Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal/Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Patuxent River, MD. It is a full-time role in Other Roles, asking for at least 5 years of experience, first listed on November 4. The advertised pay is $125,300–$187,900 a year. The description mentions SAP. Northrop Grumman has 149 other openings in the US, 1 of them in Patuxent River, MD.
Before you apply
- Check it is still open. We found this job on Northrop Grumman's Workday site on November 4 and checked it again November 4, 5:17 AM ET. When an employer takes a job down, we remove it at our next daily update.
- Check the location works for you. This role is based in Patuxent River, MD. If you would need to move, ask whether relocation help is offered.
- Match the experience. The advert asks for at least 5 years of experience. If you are a little short, a close match on the skills in the advert can still win an interview.
- Tailor your resume. Use the advert's own words, such as SAP, wherever they are true for you. Our resume guide shows how.
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About hiring at Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman has 150 openings on USA Jobs 24 today across 22 states. Most are in software & IT (93), operations (11) and engineering & mfg (8). The biggest locations are Roy, UT (20), San Diego, CA (11) and Baltimore, MD (10). 2% of them are remote, 8% are open to entry-level candidates and 98% show pay. We collect Northrop Grumman's jobs every day straight from its own careers system (Workday), never from job boards or agencies.
The employer's advert
This is Northrop Grumman's own description of the job, copied word for word from its careers site. We have not edited it.
Show the full advert from Northrop GrummanHide the advert1,107 words
Description
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 has an opening for a Principal/ 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.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at a Principal or Sr. Principal level
Basic Qualification for Principal Unmanned Pilot
- Must have a Bachelor of Science AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.D. AND 2 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.
- Ability to obtain a 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.
Basic Qualification for Sr. Principal Unmanned Pilot
- Must have a Bachelor of Science 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.
- 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.
- Ability to obtain a 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.
USA Jobs 24 copied this listing from Northrop Grumman's official careers site on November 4, 2026 and checked it again November 4, 5:17 AM ET. Northrop Grumman will never ask you to pay to apply or to buy equipment with a check they send you. If anyone does, it is a scam.
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