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On Call Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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On Call Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$51.5K

$136.2K

$209.1K

How much do on call pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for on call pilot in Reston, VA is $136,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $161,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an On Call Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an On Call Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong flight skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by additional ratings such as instrument or multi-engine endorsements. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and aircraft-specific avionics is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, adaptability, and stress management are crucial soft skills for responding to unpredictable schedules and dynamic flight conditions. These competencies ensure safety, reliability, and professional performance in time-sensitive and variable operating environments.

What are the typical scheduling and lifestyle challenges faced by On Call Pilots?

On Call Pilots often experience unpredictable schedules, requiring them to be ready to fly with short notice, sometimes during nights, weekends, or holidays. This variability can impact work-life balance, making it important for pilots to be flexible and maintain open communication with dispatchers and family. While the role can offer unique flying experiences and exposure to diverse routes, managing rest and staying prepared for immediate departures are key challenges. Pilots in these positions typically work closely with operations teams to ensure safe and timely flights, and demonstrate adaptability in dynamic environments.

What are on call pilots?

On call pilots are professional aviators who are available to fly aircraft on short notice, often filling in for scheduled pilots who are unavailable or responding to urgent flight needs. They may work for airlines, charter services, or private corporations, and their schedules can be unpredictable, requiring readiness to fly at any time. On call pilots must maintain current certifications, stay in compliance with regulations, and be prepared for a variety of flight assignments. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and strong problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between On Call Pilot vs Charter Pilot?

AspectOn Call PilotCharter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class MedicalCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class Medical
Work EnvironmentOn-demand, flexible hours, various locationsScheduled flights, private or corporate clients
Employer & IndustryAir taxi services, emergency response, private operatorsPrivate charter companies, corporate flight services

Both On Call Pilots and Charter Pilots require similar certifications and often work within private or air taxi sectors. The main difference lies in their work schedules and client engagement: On Call Pilots typically operate on an as-needed basis with flexible hours, while Charter Pilots often follow scheduled flights for private or corporate clients. Understanding these distinctions helps pilots choose the right career path within the aviation industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to On Call Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? For On Call Pilot jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for On Call Pilot jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most On Call Pilot job openings:
On Call Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various On Call Pilot job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,199 per year, or $65.5 per hour.
Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 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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