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Lockheed Pilot Jobs in Fort Washington, MD (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA

$135K - $165K/yr

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell ... Licensed Pilot preferred. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible ...

Electra

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell ... Private pilot license a plus Leveling Expectations Level (Staff or Senior) will be determined based ...

Electra

Autonomy Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell ... Pilot certificate preferred but not required. * Familiarity with development and test planning for ...

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell ... Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation This range reflects the anticipated hiring ...

All JobsLockheed Pilot JobsLockheed Pilot Jobs in Fort Washington, MD

Lockheed Pilot information

See Fort Washington, MD salary details

$51K

$134.8K

$207K

How much do lockheed pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for lockheed pilot in Fort Washington, MD is $134,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lockheed pilot?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lockheed Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lockheed Pilot job openings in Fort Washington, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,850 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft. This role works in close partnership with the Flight Controls System IPT Lead, providing deep expertise in certification, safety, and verification to support system development from detailed design through certification and entry into service.

What You'll Do

  • Act as the flight controls certification focal for the EL9 program, owning the functional certification approach.
  • Lead development and maintenance of the flight controls functional certification plan.
  • Translate regulatory requirements and system safety assessments into certifiable flight control functions.
  • Provide technical oversight for verification planning and execution across: analysis and simulation, SIL/HIL, ground and flight test.
  • Partner with the Flight Controls IPT Lead to support system architecture decisions and assess certification impacts of design changes.
  • Support system safety activities, including FHA, PSSA, and SSA alignment.
  • Interface with certification authorities and support technical discussions, reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Mentor flight controls engineers in certification, verification, and systems thinking.
  • Coordinate across disciplines including systems engineering, safety, software, propulsion, and flight test.
  • Support certification closure and entry-into-service readiness.

What You Bring

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls or related aerospace systems development.
  • Experience supporting aircraft certification and verification activities on safety-critical systems.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft flight control systems and architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience with certification planning and compliance for aerospace systems.
  • Ability to operate as a technical authority and in-house subject-matter expert.
  • Excellent communication skills, including authority-facing technical discussions.
  • Experience with MATLAB / Simulink-based control development and verification environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across IPTs and disciplines.

Bonus Points

  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience with fly-by-wire aircraft from development through certification.
  • Experience with system-level verification and integration testing.
  • Familiarity with eSTOL, powered-lift, or novel aircraft configurations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures, and industry standards.
  • Prior experience acting as a certification focal or technical lead.
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
  • Licensed Pilot preferred.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$135,000—$165,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

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