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Job Title


Chief Pilot


Company : Lockheed Martin


Location : Fort Rucker, AL


Created : 2026-04-06


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Description: THE WORK The Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) will lead and oversee all flight training and operations for a flight school program and designated support activities. Reporting to the Air Commercial Solution Sr Manager, this senioru2011level role combines leadership with handsu2011on flying and academic instruction. The incumbent will be responsible for safety, strategic direction, and instructional flights and training. The Chief Pilot will also act as an active test pilot, instructor, and subjectu2011matter expert (SME) for the fleet of rotaryu2011wing aircraft. Key Responsibilities u2022 Direct all flight training and operations activities conducted in support of the flight school program and contract. u2022 Mentor, coach, and manage a diverse team of test pilots, flight instructors, and operational support staff. This includes personnel selection, hiring, and training/evaluation (both flight and non-flight). u2022 Selection, training and certification of Assistant Chief Pilots and Standardization Instructor Pilots. u2022 Approve cockpit configurations, airfield management plans, ATC communications, maintenance, and aviation lifeu2011support procedures. u2022 Oversee and manage the scheduling, coordination, receipt, and reporting for aircraft generation requirements in support of programs of instructions (POI) and contract flight activities. u2022 Serve as a senior liaison with maintenance, sustainment, engineering, certification, customer support, business development, and contracts. u2022 Serve as the senior flight operations representative within Lockheed Martin and with external agencies to include AVCOE, FAA, and other applicable stakeholders. u2022 Oversee, Manage, and execute Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW)/rotoru2011craft instruction and evaluation in classroom, simulator (ATD/IOS), and aircraft for applicable POI. u2022 Conduct student flight training and evaluation for programs of instruction under day, night, and instrument. u2022 Manage, execute, and evaluate student instruction and performance, maintain electronic grade systems, and the generation and approval of applicable reports and records. u2022 Approve the successful completion of flight school portion of IERW and the endorsement of students to progress to advanced aircraft training. u2022 Lead development and updates of curriculum, courseware, and syllabi for IERW/rotaryu2011wing POIs. u2022 Deliver academic training using electronic mediated lecture, interactive courseware, and flightu2011training devices. u2022 Approve/recommend approval of additional flight training of students when applicable. u2022 Approve/Endorse recommendations for student elimination and participate in the student elimination process with AVCOE. u2022 Ensure all flight operations adhere to applicable FAA, military, AVCOE and international civil aviation regulations and polices. u2022 Maintain an active Secret security clearance and enforce Lockheed Martin safety policies. u2022 Oversee, manage and execute recurrent safety briefings, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives. u2022 Represent Lockheed Martin in government and industry forums on rotorcraft policy and safety. u2022 Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to align flightu2011operations objectives with program schedules. u2022 Proactively manage and coordinate for required resources within Lockheed Martin and external stakeholders to ensure timely, effective and safe flight school and rotorcraft operations. u2022Define, develop, & maintain the Course Management Plan with Army partners to meet training objectives. u2022Set up Flight Operations (airfield use, ATC, safety) and act as the primary Army liaison. u2022Design grading, electronic scorecards, and tracking tools compliant with Army/FAA regulations. u2022Create versionu2011controlled SOPs, work instructions, and job aids for all pilotu2011office tasks. u2022Establish pilotu2011office governance (steering committee, review boards, escalation paths) for curriculum, instructor, and student oversight. u2022 Travel 10-15% of the time Basic Qualifications: Flight Experience - u2022 Total Flight Hours: 2,500 (Minimum) u2022 Helicopter/Rotary Wing: 1,000 hrs (Minimum) u2022 Helicopter/Rotary Wing Pilot in Command (PIC): 500 Hours u2022 Instructor Hours (Count toward PIC Total): 250 Hours u2022 Instrument Hours: 100 Hours u2022 Instrument Instructor Hours: 50 Hours u2022 Night Hours: 75 Hours (Minimum 25 Hours non-NVG) u2022 Flying Time in the last 12 Months: 100 Hours (may be waived) u2022 Actual Weather Hours: 10 Hours u2022 At least 2 years as a qualified rotary wing aircraft instructor; experience with flightu2011training devices (ATD, IOS). Flight Hours must be documented on the resume in the above format. Must be able to submit a copy of official flight records such as DA-759, DA-759-1, DA Form 2408-12 or equivalent. Pilot Certifications - u2022 FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with ATP (Rotary Wing) or an equivalent military rating u2022 FAA Certified Flight Instructor u2013 Instrument or Military Equivalent (such as Graduate of US Army Instructor Pilot Course and Instrument Flight Examiner Course) u2022 FAA-authorized Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs)(Rotary Wing) or equivalent military rating (such as U.S. Army Standardization Instructor Pilot) u2022 Valid rotorcraft-helicopter rating u2022 Must have a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate prior to beginning duties. u2022 Bacheloru2019s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Training Development/Management or a related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience) u2022 Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance. u2022 Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication; ability to present to senior leadership, distinguished visitors and guests, organization employees and students. u2022 Strong process discipline with focus on efficiency and optimization. u2022 Demonstrated ability to build, lead and motivate high performance teams. u2022 Demonstrated proactive and successful problem solving (identification, analysis, mitigation/solution planning, implementation, and results). This position is contingent upon contract award to Lockheed Martin. Estimated award date is June 2026. Any job offers extended to chosen candidates will include a contingency clause stating that the offer is dependent on Lockheed Martin securing the contract. Desired Skills: u2022 Prior IERW flight instructor experience. u2022 Prior IERW ground/academic instructor experience. u2022 Prior experience delivering military pilot academic and simulator training u2022 Graduate of DoW Senior Service School or Equivalent u2022 Military Rotary Wing Instructor Experience (UH-60, AH-64, TH-1, MH-60, UH-1, etc.) u2022 IERW lead flight instructor and management experience. u2022 FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) qualification. u2022 Graduate of an accredited Engineering Test Pilot School. u2022 Proven track record in flightu2011test data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration. Clearance Level: Secret Other Important Information You Should Know Expression of Interest: 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: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility. Work Schedules: 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. Schedule for this Position: Non- standard 40 hour work week as assigned by leader 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. 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, youu2019re 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. Experience Level: Experienced Professional Business Unit: RMS Relocation Available: Possible Career Area: Management Type: Full-Time Shift: First