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Lockheed Pilot Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Pilot information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lockheed Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lockheed Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, a commercial or military pilot license, and extensive flight hours in complex aircraft. Familiarity with Lockheed-specific avionics, flight management systems, and sometimes military-grade simulators or mission planning tools is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills set top pilots apart. These competencies ensure the safe and effective operation of sophisticated aircraft in demanding environments, where precision and reliability are critical.

How much do Lockheed U 2 pilots make?

Lockheed U-2 pilots, who operate high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft for the military, typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. Military pilots often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, retirement plans, and specialized training.

What are the typical challenges Lockheed pilots face when operating advanced military aircraft?

Lockheed pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technology, managing complex avionics systems, and maintaining peak performance during high-stress missions. Additionally, they must stay current with frequent updates to tactical procedures and comply with rigorous safety protocols. Collaboration with ground crews, mission planners, and other pilots is essential for mission success, and pilots are expected to continually refine their skills through ongoing training and simulation exercises.

How much does a Lockheed Martin pilot make?

A Lockheed Martin pilot's salary varies based on experience, role, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Pilots often require specialized training, certifications, and security clearances, and may work in military or aerospace environments with demanding schedules.

How hard is it to get hired by Lockheed Martin?

Getting hired as a Lockheed Pilot is competitive and typically requires a strong aviation background, relevant flight hours, and specialized training or certifications such as an FAA pilot license. Candidates often go through a rigorous interview process, background checks, and assessments of technical skills and experience in military or commercial aviation environments.

What is the difference between Lockheed Pilot vs Boeing Pilot?

AspectLockheed PilotBoeing Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Lockheed aircraftCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Boeing aircraft
Work EnvironmentMilitary and government operations, specialized aircraftCommercial airlines, passenger and cargo flights
Employer & IndustryLockheed Martin, defense and aerospace industryBoeing, commercial aviation industry

Both Lockheed Pilots and Boeing Pilots require similar certifications like a Commercial Pilot License and specific type ratings. Lockheed Pilots typically operate military or government aircraft in defense settings, while Boeing Pilots work for commercial airlines flying passengers or cargo. The work environments and industry focus differ, but the core pilot qualifications are comparable.

What are Lockheed pilots?

Lockheed pilots are highly trained professionals who operate aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin, such as the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, and other military or specialized planes. These pilots are typically members of the military or contractors who receive specialized training to handle the advanced technology and systems in Lockheed aircraft. Their responsibilities include conducting test flights, executing missions, and ensuring the safety and performance of the aircraft. Lockheed pilots play a crucial role in defense operations, research, and development of aviation technology.

Is there a demand for pilots now?

The demand for Lockheed pilots remains strong due to ongoing military operations, defense contracts, and the need for experienced aviators in national security. Pilots with military experience, specialized training, and certifications such as FAA licenses are highly sought after, especially for advanced aircraft and leadership roles.
Infographic showing various Lockheed Pilot job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Sr. Staff Engineering Program Manager - Top Secret Clearance Required

Sr. Staff Engineering Program Manager - Top Secret Clearance Required

Lockheed Martin

King Of Prussia, PA • On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description


WHAT WE'RE DOING
The U-2S aircraft provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities. Lockheed Martin (LM) provides the engineering disciplines to continually improve the avionics and ISR systems employed on the U-2S. The Aero Palmdale, Aero Fort Worth and RMS Valley Forge sites are actively involved in supporting upgrades to the U-2 platform capabilities.
WHO WE ARE
The LM Valley Forge site Datalinks Team is currently supporting the following upgrades on the aircraft:
• Integrating a Tactical Data Link (Link 16) on the U-2S and developing the Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) for Link 16 radio control and tactical situational awareness, Electronic Warfare (EW) situational awareness and mission control flight displays.
• Conducting U-2 Avionic Tech Refresh (ATR) Testing; ATR is the umbrella U-2 modernization upgrade program, of which Link 16 is a part. In addition to Link 16, the ATR upgrades/testing includes the Primary Flight Display, Navigation Planning, non-Link 16 communication management, and sensor management.
Outside of U-2, the The LM Valley Forge site supports datalinks efforts with LM Space Systems on the WILDFIRE program, and LM Aeronautics on the P29 program.
THE WORK
This opening is for the engineering program manager (EPM) position on the Datalinks program and a career-building opportunity to interact on a daily basis with the Program Manager, program engineering team, customers, operational community team members, business development and LM RMS Engineering and Technology (E&T) Senior Managers and Leaders.
Responsibilities for program technical execution will include:
• Engineering technical, cost, and schedule performance and cost estimation
• Providing timely and accurate projections of engineering resource requirements, to include Program technical staffing needs
• Software/System Engineering efforts related to program execution and proposals
• Ensures requirements and system design baseline are tracked, maintained, and verified
• Works with PM to ensure organizational standard processes are adapted, approved, and followed
• Leverages proven processes, lessons learned, and best practices from other parts of business or industry
• In concert with the Line of Business (LOB) and/or Market Segment Chief Engineer, ensures program plans and technical baselines are consistent with Program Control processes and Modern Engineering Practices to include 1LMX/DX

Basic Qualifications
• Bachelors degree from an accredited college, with 10 years or more of professional experience, 8 years of professional experience with a Masters degree, or equivalent experience/combined education
• Broad background in all lifecycle phases of software/systems engineering along with engineering leadership experience
• Strong risk management experience and expertise, including identification, mitigation and abatement planning, execution, and tracking
• Strong cost account, earned value management (EVM), cost estimating, and Basis of Estimate (BOE) creation experience (EVM)
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal, team-building skills, strong work ethic and self-motivation
• Strong customer focus with a proven record of outstanding customer satisfaction
• Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance. Obtaining a clearance requires US citizenship.
• Candidate will be based in Valley Forge, PA
Desired skills
• Candidate preferred to have an existing active TS clearance to start
• Experience with Independent Research and Development (IRAD) and Capital execution, planning, and spending
• Operational experience with Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC)
• Experience and familiarity with Datalinks customer, operational community, and program stakeholders
• Knowledge of emerging software/system engineering practices (e.g., software factory and experience in adopting and implementing key practices)
• Ability to direct and oversee engineers supporting multiple semi-unrelated projects in several technical disciplines
• Experience with Link-16/Tactical Data Link
• UI/UX design experience
• Pilot/user interface design experience
• Experience with operational equipment testing
• Demonstrated experience in driving data informed change in support of improving affordability and quality
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
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At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to work remotely
Part-time Remote Telework: The employee selected for this position will work part of their work schedule remotely and part of their work schedule at a designated Lockheed Martin facility. The specific weekly schedule will be discussed during the hiring process.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $128,400 - $226,435. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $147,700 - $255,990. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912