Flight Test Engineer / Principal Flight Test Engineer

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA
In-Office
83K-155K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Leads planning, coordination, and execution of developmental ground and flight tests. Develops test profiles, cards, schedules, and documentation; supports test readiness reviews and control-room operations; makes real-time safety and execution decisions; coordinates multidisciplinary test teams; and drives issues to closure. Requires flexibility for overtime, odd shifts, and weekends.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Engineer / Principal Flight Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization.  The position will be located onsite at Edwards AFB.

The Flight Test Engineer will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of developmental ground and flight test activities. The candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining test cards and documentation; providing test control support; and serving as a key technical focal point within the control room. This position requires an experienced engineer who can work under minimal/general direction, exercise sound judgment in real time, and drive issues to closure.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop flight test and mission profiles; create and manage flight test cards and test schedules.
  • Support distributed test operations and flight preparation sheets as required.
  • Conduct ground and flight tests in accordance with established test plans, procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Support test readiness reviews and lead/participate in pre- and post-test briefings.
  • Provide mission control room support, making real-time decisions regarding safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of test execution.
  • Support and collaborate with test operations personnel and other engineering disciplines during test card development, review, and execution.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration within a multidisciplinary team environment while also being able to work independently with limited supervision.
  • Oversee and coordinate the activities of test participants to ensure efficient execution of test missions.
  • Willingness and ability to work overtime, odd shifts, and weekends to support test schedules and mission requirements.

This requisition may be filled as either a Flight Test Engineer level 2 or a Principal Flight Test Engineer level 3

Basic Qualifications:

  • (Flight Test Engineer Level 2) Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 2 years of related experience; OR Masters degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of related experience
  • (Principal Flight Test Engineer Level 3) Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or equivalent data analysis systems.
  • Prior professional experience in Flight Test
  • Strong technical background with the ability to perform system-level analysis and evaluation.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Self-motivated, thorough, and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • In depth knowledge of or test experience, to include control room monitoring.
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of related experience for Flight Test Engineer Level 2
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related experience for Flight Test Engineer Level 2
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience for Principal Flight Test Engineer Level 3
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience for Principal Flight Test Engineer Level 3
  • PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience for Principal Flight Test Engineer Level 3
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and IADS or equivalent data analysis systems
  • Prior professional experience in flight test
  • Strong technical background with system-level analysis and evaluation ability
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) before employment commencement
  • In-depth knowledge of or test experience, including control-room monitoring
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance

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.

  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
  • Retirement Support The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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