Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Test Engineering Manager 2 - Flight Test Organization (FTO) Sub-Systems to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This leadership role is located in Edwards AFB, CA.
This selected candidate is expected to lead and provide functional homeroom support as a section manager for a team of 15-20 flight test engineers of all grade levels as well as provide programmatic leadership to this team throughout the flight test campaign. This position will specialize in the flight sciences disciplines which include flying qualities, loads, dynamics, flutter testing and propulsion systems. They will possess a strong flight test background in these disciplines with strong technical and leadership skills. The leader must have experience with test planning and flight test execution in these disciplines and test reporting. Clear and concise communication skills are a must.
This position is 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA. Due to the dynamic environment of flight test, occasional overtime and off-shift work (nights/weekends) may be required.
As a leader, you always act with integrity, and the highest ethical standards characterize everything you do. You enable your team to achieve predictable and balanced results, while satisfying the needs of internal and external partners. You treat all people with respect, and you model personal growth and continuous development. You know how to build an inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. You develop trusted and valued customer relationships and communicate effectively, so that people throughout the organization feel engaged and connected to their work. You deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond vigorously to change.
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:
- Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of relevant professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of relevant professional/military experience, OR 5 years related experience with a PhD in a STEM discipline
- Experience in flight testing within the flight science disciplines
- Experience with Earned Value Management
- Must have an active U.S. government Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
- Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a US Air Force Combined Test Force (CTF)
- Experience leading an aircraft operation under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight
- Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline and 9 years relevant experience OR Master’s in STEM and 7 years relevant experience OR PhD in STEM and 5 years relevant experience
- Experience in flight testing within flight science disciplines (flying qualities, loads, dynamics, flutter, propulsion)
- Experience with Earned Value Management
- Active U.S. government Secret clearance or higher (background investigation within last 6 years or currently enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR)
- Experience leading and providing homeroom support for a team of ~15-20 flight test engineers (section manager)
- Position is 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA (ability to work on-site, including occasional nights/weekends)
- Experience in a US Air Force Combined Test Force (CTF)
- Experience leading an aircraft operation under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight
- Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
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.









