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Flight Operations Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW), executing complex test cards and ...

Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW), executing complex test cards and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW), executing complex test cards and ...

Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work ...

Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work ...

Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work ...

Aviation Operations & Support (Enlisted) Category / Component: Enlisted • Active Overview ... on flight decks and in hangar bays and operating the support equipment that keeps aviation ...

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Flight Operations information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$36.3K

$61.7K

$113.3K

How much do flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight operations in Frederick, MD is $61,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Flight Operations vs Flight Dispatch?

AspectFlight OperationsFlight Dispatch
CertificationsOften requires airline-specific training, sometimes a commercial pilot licenseRequires dispatch or aviation safety certifications
Work EnvironmentInvolves coordination with pilots, ground staff, and management at airline offices or airportsPrimarily office-based, working closely with pilots and airline operations teams
ResponsibilitiesOversees flight planning, crew scheduling, and operational compliancePrepares flight plans, calculates fuel, and ensures regulatory compliance for flights
Industry UsageUsed across airlines, corporate flight departments, and charter servicesPrimarily employed by airlines and charter operators for flight planning

Flight Operations and Flight Dispatch are closely related roles within the aviation industry. Flight Operations manages overall flight activities, including crew and safety oversight, while Flight Dispatch focuses on flight planning and regulatory compliance. Both roles require specialized certifications and work collaboratively to ensure safe and efficient flights.

What is flight operations?

Flight operations refer to the management and coordination of all activities involved in the planning, execution, and support of aircraft flights. This includes tasks such as flight planning, crew scheduling, dispatch, weather monitoring, and communication with air traffic control. The goal of flight operations is to ensure that flights are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with aviation regulations. Flight operations personnel play a vital role in both commercial airlines and private aviation companies, working behind the scenes to support pilots and ensure smooth flight schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in flight operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Flight Operations, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, flight planning, and operational procedures, often supported by an aviation-related degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with flight planning software, air traffic control systems, and safety management systems is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in a dynamic aviation environment.

How does a flight operations professional typically interact with pilots and air traffic controllers during daily operations?

Flight Operations professionals serve as a crucial link between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground staff. On a daily basis, they coordinate flight plans, communicate schedule changes, and ensure pilots are updated with the latest weather and airspace information. They also liaise with air traffic controllers to manage aircraft movements and resolve any operational issues. This collaborative environment requires clear communication skills and the ability to respond quickly to dynamic situations to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Flight Operations jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Flight Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Operations job openings in Frederick, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,708 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Flight Operations & Sustainment Team Lead - Level 3/4 - Dulles

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Flight Operations & Sustainment Team Lead - located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. You'll be primarily supporting the IceSat-2 program which is designed to measure the 3D elevation of Earth's ice sheets, glaciers, sea ice, forests, and water surfaces using advanced laser technology to track changes over time.This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Provide mission operations leadership to the IceSat-2 program including on orbit vehicle/sustaining engineering.
  • Support activities such as system problem/anomaly resolution support, data trending, operational product updates, and performance analyses
  • Lead/Coordinate other systems engineers to conduct anomaly review board investigations as necessary.
  • Investigation and diagnosis of unexpected system signatures
  • Support operations readiness activities including configuration control board and other customer meetings
  • Support operations and become/remain Flight Operations certified including shift work when applicable
  • Make modifications to existing operations procedures to incorporate lessons learned from in-flight performance. Develop new procedures as required.
  • Supporting the coordination and execution of system maintenance tasks and coordinating across multiple contractor organizations including customer and external system partners to diligently accomplish all tasks
  • Perform demonstrations and conduct briefings explaining how to utilize mission systems to accomplish task-based objectives
  • Performing quantitative risk analysis
  • Provide status reporting through both the functional and program reporting branches.
  • Support internal and external customer meetings through proficient verbal and documented (MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel) communications.
  • May require travel ~ 10% of the time in support of customer or backup mission operations center.

This position can be filled as a level 3 or level 4 depending on experience and qualifications.

Basic Qualifications Level 3:

  • Bachelor's degree (Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Ability to work within a group of diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success.
  • Knowledge and experience in satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution
  • Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
  • Experience writing technical documents for external customers
  • Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews

Basic Qualifications Level 4:

  • Bachelor's degree (Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Ability to work within a group of diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success.
  • Knowledge and experience in satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution
  • Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
  • Experience writing technical documents for external customers
  • Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Space Vehicle Subsystem experience, such as GNC, FSW, EPS, TT&C, Thermal, Mechanical
  • Leadership experience within a diverse team of engineers/operators
  • Experience working with the ITOS ground software
  • Familiarity of the IceSat-2 mission background and objectives
  • Experience working on government systems and/or government process environment
  • Support mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities.
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, SIMULINK, Fortran, Java, C/ C++

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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 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