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First Officer Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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First Officer Pilot information

What is a first officer pilot?

First Officer Pilots, also known as co-pilots, are licensed aviators who assist the Captain in operating an aircraft. They share responsibilities such as flying the plane, communicating with air traffic control, and performing safety checks before, during, and after flights. While the Captain has overall command, the First Officer is fully qualified to take control if needed and often alternates flying duties with the Captain. This role is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial flights.

What does a first officer pilot do?

On commercial flights, the first officer pilot is the second pilot on the plane. Your responsibilities in this career are to assist the captain to fly the plane. As the co-pilot, if the captain is incapacitated, you take command of the plane. On many flights, the first officer and the captain share the duties of piloting the plane, taking turns while the other one monitors controls and provides backup as needed. In commercial airline command structure, there is also a designation for the senior first officer, which is typically someone who qualifies as a captain, but the airline does not have enough flights to make that person a captain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first officer pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Officer Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight training with logged flight hours. Proficiency with modern avionics, flight management systems (FMS), and aircraft-specific certifications like a type rating are typically required. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills help a First Officer operate safely within a cockpit crew. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration during routine and emergency situations.

What are some common challenges first officer pilots face during their initial years on the job?

First Officer Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular work schedules, managing fatigue from long or overnight flights, and quickly learning to operate various aircraft types. Additionally, they must develop strong communication and coordination skills to work effectively with captains and cabin crew, often under time pressure. Building confidence in decision-making and handling unexpected situations, such as adverse weather or technical issues, is also a key part of the learning curve in this role.

What is the difference between First Officer Pilot vs Captain Pilot?

AspectFirst Officer PilotCaptain Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) often requiredSame as First Officer, but with additional experience and hours
Work EnvironmentFlight crew member assisting the captain, flying under supervisionLead pilot responsible for flight operations and decision-making
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssist the captain, handle navigation, communication, and safety proceduresOversee the flight, make critical decisions, manage crew and safety

The main difference between a First Officer Pilot and a Captain Pilot lies in their roles and responsibilities. The First Officer assists the captain and operates under supervision, while the Captain leads the flight, makes final decisions, and manages the crew. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Captain typically has more experience and authority.

What are popular job titles related to First Officer Pilot jobs in Washington?

For First Officer Pilot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Officer Pilot jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for First Officer Pilot jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for First Officer Pilot jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most First Officer Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various First Officer Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.

Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$175K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the identification, vetting, and integration of external emerging technologies into Northrop Grumman's core mission systems.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners such as venture capital, tech accelerators, and nontraditional defense contractors to manage technology partnerships.

  • Manage a portfolio of pilot projects, track technical milestones, and facilitate the transition of technologies into programs of record.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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 is seeking a Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 3 to join our Corporate Strategy and Technology (CTO) organization. In this high-impact role, you will lead the identification, vetting, and integration of external emerging technologies from the global commercial and defense ecosystem (startups, non-traditionals) into Northrop Grumman's core mission systems. You will act as a primary bridge between external "disruptors" and internal R&D, ensuring that the next generation of key technologies are transitioned from the lab to the warfighter.
This position will be located in Falls Church, VA. This is not a remote position.
Key Responsibilities:
  • External Ecosystem Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for the venture capital community, tech accelerators, and nontraditional defense contractors to identify, drive, and manage "dual-use" technologies and associated partnerships.
  • Technology Scouting & Vetting: Lead cross-functional technical and business due diligence on emerging tech startups to assess their readiness, scalability, and strategic fit for Sector IRAD (Internal Research & Development) roadmaps.
  • Partnership Frameworks: Enable complex partnership agreements, including Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), licensing, and pilot "sandboxing" initiatives ; Develop multi-year partnership strategies.
  • Strategic Alignment: Partner with Sector CTOs to ensure external innovation initiatives align with our long-term technology roadmaps.
  • Formalize Engagement: Support the development and execution of a cohesive technology partnership program.
  • Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of pilot projects, tracking technical milestones and transition success rates into Programs of Record or equivalent maturation success metrics.
  • Executive Briefing: Develop and deliver high-level briefings to senior leadership on market intelligence, competitive landscapes, and disruptive technology trends.
  • Drive pipeline creation and revenue growth through collaborative partner strategies.
  • Identify co-sell opportunities, joint pursuits, and technology integrations that enhance mission outcomes.
  • Program Management: Manage operations of CTO Technology Partnership Subcommittee.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Education and Years of Experience Requirements: Bachelor's Degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience OR a Master's Degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in technology scouting, corporate venture capital, or strategic partnerships within the Aerospace, Defense, or High-Tech sectors.
  • Technical Literacy: Proven ability to translate complex emerging technologies(e.g., AI/ML, Quantum Computing, etc. ) into defense-specific mission applications and business terms.
  • Security: Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Secret level security clearance (or higher) in order to be considered and must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance as a condition of continued employment.
  • Communication: Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to influence executive-level stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Network: Existing relationships within the Silicon Valley/tech hub ecosystems or with government innovation units like DIU, AFWERX, or DARPA.
  • M&A/Venture: Experience in technical due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or corporate venture investments.
  • Program Management: PMP certification or experience managing government CRAD (Contractual R&D) programs.
  • Advanced Degree: MBA or a PhD in a relevant STEM field preferred.

Primary Level Salary Range: $175,400.00 - $263,200.00
The 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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939