Job Description
Job Title:  F-16 Pilot Subject Matter Expert & Pilot Vehicle Interface Engineer
Posting Start Date:  10/1/26

Standard Job Description

You will be the Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) design engineer to serve in the Pilot Systems Engineering (PSE) group specializing in the F-16 program with opportunities to support 5th Generation and Advanced Development Programs (ADP).

As the Pilot Subject Matter Expert your responsibilities will include:

  • Research and design of innovative PVI mechanizations and pilot / human engineering for tactical cockpits.
  • Provide pilot SME support in the forms of participation in design review meetings, system test and flight test reviews, customer and program support regarding aircraft capabilities and PVI.
  • Work with pilots, engineers, and simulation technicians to design, implement, evaluate, and document PVI mechanizations. This includes authoring and publishing Pilot’s Guides and other contract deliverables describing the enhanced aircraft capabilities.

You will be expected to:

  • Have a high-level knowledge of 4th Generation fighters, requiring an understanding of advanced fighter flying skills, mission systems, mission capabilities and gaps for potential growth, and basic concepts of employment in realistic combat environments.
  • From initial design identification to requirements development to beyond product delivery, work closely with engineering system design, system architects, software development teams, system test, and flight operations / flight test (and more) to ensure pilot SME support for product optimization.
  • Provide pilot SME guidance to aircraft simulations, Cockpit Review Teams (CRTs, or the like), Tech Order product support, and platform roadmap planning.
  • Potentially flying back seat missions.

** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **

Basic Qualifications

  • Recent DoD tactical aircraft operational and / or training experience in modern military aircraft as a pilot.
  • Demonstrated experience in aviation and technology such as technical degree or technology development / test experience.
  • DoD Active Secret clearance.

Desired Skills

  • Experience flying the F-16.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively within a team.
  • Weapons School, Instructor, or Standardization Evaluation pilot experience.
  • DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed 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(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.  

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (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.