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Ocean Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA

$45K - $90K/yr

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining ...

BAE Systems

Mgr I- Business Dev

Reston, VA · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

... pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are ... Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin

Manassas, VA · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

... pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are ... Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far ...

All JobsOcean Pilot JobsOcean Pilot Jobs in Washington

Ocean Pilot information

What is an ocean pilot?

Ocean pilots, also known as maritime or marine pilots, are experienced navigators who guide ships through dangerous or congested waters such as harbors, rivers, or coastal areas. They board vessels to assist the ship's captain with local navigation, ensuring safe passage by using their expert knowledge of tides, currents, local regulations, and hazards. Ocean pilots play a critical role in preventing accidents and protecting marine environments by helping vessels avoid collisions and groundings. Their work is essential for the safety of both crew and cargo, as well as the surrounding ecosystem.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an ocean pilot?

To thrive as an Ocean Pilot, you need extensive maritime knowledge, a valid maritime pilot license, and significant experience in navigation and ship handling. Familiarity with electronic navigational systems (such as ECDIS and radar), vessel traffic services, and local regulations is essential, and many regions require specialized pilotage certification. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating with ship crews and port authorities. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible passage of large vessels through complex or challenging waterways.

What challenges do ocean pilots face when guiding vessels in and out of ports?

Ocean Pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating large vessels through narrow or congested waterways, dealing with rapidly changing weather and sea conditions, and maintaining clear communication with ship crews who may come from diverse backgrounds. Each port has unique navigational hazards and regulations, requiring Pilots to stay updated and adapt quickly. Additionally, Ocean Pilots must be prepared for irregular hours and remain alert during long shifts, ensuring the safe and efficient passage of ships at all times.

What is the difference between Ocean Pilot vs Marine Navigator?

AspectOcean PilotMarine Navigator
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Pilot LicenseSTCW Basic Safety, Navigation Certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, coastal and open seaOnboard ships, primarily navigation roles
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, port pilotageMaritime shipping, vessel navigation

Ocean Pilots and Marine Navigators both require maritime certifications and work onboard ships. Ocean Pilots typically specialize in guiding ships through ports and coastal waters, while Marine Navigators focus on charting courses and ensuring safe navigation at sea. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, but Ocean Pilots often have more specialized port and coastal expertise.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Ocean Pilot jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Ocean Pilot job openings:

Ocean Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 50% 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex

flight programs and flight test events. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating.

Pilot will work in greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically/as scheduled as part of their job responsibilities. All initial position training will be conducted at our Chantilly, VA facility (4-6 months).

Basic Qualifications:

  • 12 years of experience OR a Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's Degree and 6 years of experience
  • Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Must be willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.
  • Must have an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
  • Must have a minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane, helicopter, powered lift)
  • Must be able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.
  • Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
  • Previous simulator instructor experience
  • Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
  • A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
  • Previous military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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

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