Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector and the ITT is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of ITT Contractor Flight Test Director (CFTD). Candidate will be based in Patuxent River, MD. The CFTD is NGC’s senior representative and the site lead at the ITT and the point of contact with host squadron leadership and the PMA.
Role and Responsibilities:
Coordinate with Test and Evaluation Leadership and E-130J TACAMO program manager to develop strategies, methodologies and execute to achieve program goals. Documenting solutions/plans in the proposal technical volume.
Possess in depth knowledge of air vehicle and mission systems testing
Capable of supporting business development activities, support proposals (generate schedules and cost estimates), and support test reviews
Responsible for cost, schedule, and technical performance for various test activities executed within the IPT
Management of budgets using EVMS reporting tools; accountable for cost, schedule, and reporting any variances
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Aeronautical Engineer:
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in test and/or aircraft operations experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in test and/or aircraft operations experience.
A current DoD Top Secret level security clearance
Knowledge of flight test planning, safety planning, test operations, and test reporting
Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
Preferred Qualifications:
Significant experience in a developmental/operational test environment
Test Pilot School graduate or formal flight test training
Experience operating in a US Navy Integrated Test Force
Experience leading an aircraft operation under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight
Experience building and maintaining a high performance team in a high paced aerospace environment
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline and 8 years related professional/military experience, OR Master’s degree and 6 years related professional/military experience
- Current DoD Top Secret security clearance (active)
- Knowledge of flight test planning, safety planning, test operations, and test reporting
- Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
- U.S. Citizenship required for positions with government clearance
- Capable of supporting business development activities, proposals, schedules and cost estimates
- Management of budgets using EVMS reporting tools and accountability for cost/schedule/technical performance
- Significant experience in developmental/operational test environments, Test Pilot School or formal flight test training, US Navy Integrated Test Force experience, DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight, and team leadership
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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