Principal F-35 Test Pilot (Level 5) – Flight Operations

✈️ The Mission

Join Lockheed Martin’s Flight Operations team as a Level 5 F-35 Test Pilot driving the next generation of flight-test excellence from our Fort Worth, Texas campus. You’ll lead high-impact test efforts for the F-35 and, as needs evolve, support Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works). This role blends hands-on flight test with leadership in Pilot Vehicle Interface, requirements development, and subject-matter expertise across the F-35 enterprise.

🧭 What You’ll Do

• Lead flight-test planning, run-card development, execution, and post-flight reporting.
• Conduct experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight-test, test-support, and customer‑demonstration missions.
• Serve as an F-35 subject-matter expert, shaping Pilot Vehicle Interface concepts and system requirements.
• Approve cockpit configurations and coordinate cross-functional flight-operations activities.
• Deliver demonstration flights for customers, government officials, and other stakeholders to showcase performance, flying qualities, and system capabilities.
• Support market and customer engagements; collaborate with Communications/PR and represent the program confidently on camera as needed.

🧰 What You Bring

• Graduate of a military or recognized Test Pilot School.
• Current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate (single‑engine land with instrument) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)—restricted or unrestricted.
• Current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
• Minimum 1,000 hours first‑pilot (PIC) time in a tactical aircraft.
• More than 100 hours of F‑35 flight time.
• Current SECRET or higher security clearance.
• Valid U.S. passport and willingness to travel.
• Ability to interface with Communications/Public Relations and comfort appearing on camera.
• U.S. Citizenship is mandatory due to special-access facility requirements.

🌟 Benefits & Rewards

• Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4×10 options).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program and flexible spending accounts.
• Education assistance and life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.

Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation may be available depending on the position; such payments are not guaranteed and may vary with performance metrics.

🧩 Role Context

This is an onsite role in Fort Worth, Texas, embedded with Flight Operations. Initial focus is on F‑35 flight‑test activities with the potential to expand into Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works) as program needs evolve.