Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Production Test Engineering Manager 2 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This leadership position will be located onsite in Palmdale, CA.
The selected candidate is responsible for the execution of the production test SOW under the Production Test Team Manager and will be responsible for the management of the test team executing static and dynamic testing supporting multiple cost centers. Candidate will manage a diverse team of engineers and technicians in completing the test objective of the organization while forecasting requirements for future test activities to ensure unconstrained test execution. In addition, the selected candidate will be required to provide career guidance and functional directions to members of the Test team.
This is a dual role Section Manager (Functional Role) and Test Engineering Manager (Program Role). 20% will be the functional home room tasks and 80% is program covered Tasks.
The selected candidate will contribute to high-visible activities and have opportunities to periodically demonstrate integrated capabilities to sector leadership and high value customers.
Essential Functions:
• Coordinate with Test leadership to execute the production test schedule in multiple cost centers to include but not limited to running ATPs, regression testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and dynamic testing.
• Provide high level technical leadership and guidance to the team.
• Lead a team up to 15 flight test technicians and test engineers in reaching program milestones
• Develop System Test inputs to program planning and engineering strategies/execution objectives.
• Leverage support groups to assist the team with test execution
• Support recruitment activities including the creation of requisitions, conduct interviews, and approve job offers
• Provide team with career development recommendations, mentoring, and training plans based off individual and program needs
• Leverage excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
The selected Candidate must be willing to work various shifts depending on the business needs:
4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift
4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift
3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift
3x10 schedule Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift
We offer flexible work arrangements phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from 9 years of related professional/military aerospace experience OR Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline AND 7 yearsof related professional/military aerospace experience
- Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
- Experience operating within the flight/production test or operations environment
- Prior Experience leading projects or teams
- Experience with Engineering drawings, CPLM, Teamcenter, MES or other maintenance/database systems
Preferred Qualifications:
- Top Secret Clearance with in scope SAP
- Experience with troubleshooting methodologies
- Experience operating under DCMA 8210 oversight
- Previous experience with ground/flight test operations
- Prior management experience.
- Experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
What We Offer:
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!
Primary Level Salary Range: $146,600.00 - $219,800.00The 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 9 years related professional/military aerospace experience OR Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years related professional/military aerospace experience
- Active Secret US Government clearance with background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time
- Experience operating within the flight/production test or operations environment
- Prior experience leading projects or teams
- Experience with engineering drawings, CPLM, Teamcenter, MES or other maintenance/database systems
- Willingness to work variable shift schedules (4x10, 3x10, first/second shifts)
- Top Secret clearance with in-scope SAP
- Experience with troubleshooting methodologies
- Experience operating under DCMA 8210 oversight
- Previous experience with ground/flight test operations
- Prior management experience
- Experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
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.





