Director, Sikorsky Flight Operations / Chief Pilot

Lockheed Martin; Stratford (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 345,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky is seeking a Director of Flight Operations / Chief Pilot to oversee global flight operations. This high-level role involves managing flight tests, ensuring safety standards, and mentoring a team of aviation professionals. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience and leadership in the aviation field, shaping the future of vertical lift aviation within a pioneering company.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Education Assistance

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Minimum 3,500 flight hours required.
• FAA Commercial Pilot with ATP certificate (Rotary Wing).
• Proficiency in flight test procedures and data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flight operations across worldwide Sikorsky and customer sites.
• Lead engineering flight tests and customer demonstration flights.
• Mentor and manage a diverse team of test pilots and flight engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Aviation Safety

Flight Test Procedures

Interpersonal Skills

Presentation Skills

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / STEM

Job description

At Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, we're pioneering the future of vertical lift aviation. From next-generation military rotorcraft to commercial aircraft, we build helicopters that push boundaries, save lives, and deliver capabilities that matter. Every mission we support, every aircraft we build, and every test flight we complete brings us closer to our vision : keeping people safe and connected across the globe.

THE WORK

We are seeking a Director of Flight Operations / Chief Pilot to lead and oversee all flight operations across the Sikorsky line of business. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Engineering and Technology, this high-impact leadership role is responsible for the safety, execution, and strategic direction of Sikorsky's flight test and operations enterprise.

As the senior-most flight operations authority, you will :

Oversee flight operations across all Sikorsky and customer sites worldwide.

Lead the planning and execution of engineering flight tests, production acceptance flights, and customer demonstration flights.

Manage the test aircraft fleet and personnel, ensuring operational readiness and safety.

Actively fly as a test pilot, supporting flight test objectives.

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and flight safety standards.

Provide technical expertise and leadership in flight testing and aircraft development.

Oversee functions including airfield management, air traffic control, comms maintenance, and aviation life support.

Approve cockpit configurations and flight operations support strategies.

Mentor and manage a diverse team of test pilots, flight test engineers, and operational support staff.

Serve as a key partner in the aircraft certification process and act as a liaison with engineering, training, customer support, business development, and contracts.

Represent Sikorsky in government and industry forums on rotorcraft policy and safety.

WHO WE ARE

Sikorsky has been at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation for over 100 years. We are home to iconic aircraft like the BLACK HAWK, SEAHAWK, and CH-53K King Stallion, serving military and commercial customers around the world. As a leader in vertical lift, our teams are relentless in advancing aviation safety, capability, and sustainability.

WHO YOU ARE

You are a seasoned aviation leader and test pilot with deep experience managing high-risk flight operations in a complex, highly regulated environment. You possess :

Proven leadership in managing flight test programs and operational teams.

Strong knowledge of FAA and military regulations, and a commitment to aviation safety.

Extensive experience flying and testing rotary-wing aircraft.

A collaborative and strategic mindset, capable of guiding technical teams and engaging with senior leadership.

A deep commitment to mentoring talent, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of vertical flight.

WHY JOIN US

As the Director of Flight Operations, you won't just manage operations-you'll help shape the next generation of rotorcraft and influence the future of aviation safety and technology. You'll work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace and play a key role in delivering cutting-edge aircraft to customers worldwide. This is more than a job-it's a mission.

Basic Qualifications

• Extensive experience in helicopter flight operations and flight testing; requires a minimum of 3,500 flight hours.
• FAA Commercial Pilot with an ATP certificate (Rotary Wing).
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in engineering / STEM, or equivalent experience / combined education.
• Familiarity with military, FAA, and international civil authorities' regulations.
• Proficiency in flight test procedures, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Strong leadership experience and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate a team.
• Strong presentation skills, especially at the senior leadership level.

Travel Required : 15-20%

Desired skills

• Graduate of an accredited / recognized Engineering Test Pilot school
• Detailed and diverse technical systems knowledge of Sikorsky products obtained through operations experience, production test experience, or engineering / developmental test experience
• Experience as a flight instructor / FAA Certified Flight Instructor designation
• Master's degree from an accredited college in engineering / STEM, or equivalent experience / combined education.
• Experience in EVTOL and / or autonomy operations and platforms
• A current U.S. government Secret security clearance required
• Qualification as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

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, you're 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.

Other Important Information

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.

Work Schedule Information

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.

National Pay Statement

Pay Rate : The annual base salary range for this position in California and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington or Washington DC is $180,000 - $287,500. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education / training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered : Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.

Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees : accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

This position is incentive plan eligible.

Pay Rate : The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California and New York is $180,000 - $345,000. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education / training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered : Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.

This position is incentive plan eligible.