Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Sector, Flight Test Operations team is seeking Manager Test Engineering 2 to join our team in Edwards, AFB, CA.
The manager will lead planning and execution through first flight and the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development flight test program that will follow. Candidates who apply to this requisition will be considered for this position based on their background and experience. This manager will lead and provide functional management for a team of test conductors and test directors in the Flight Test Operations team at the Combined Test Force. The competitive candidate will possess an extensive aviation engineering and flight test background with strong technical and leadership skills. This position requires strong communication skills to support extensive executive-level interaction and will report to the Flight Test Senior Manager. This manager will collaborate with government and contractor leaders to develop detailed test plans and drive an integrated team approach to problem solving. A thorough understanding of flight test safety planning, test operations, and test reporting is required. This leader will be responsible for developing resource forecasts and achieving cost and schedule performance goals. This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA with an expectation of 25% travel. Candidate must be willing to work extended shifts, weekends and holidays as required to meet program schedule and objectives.
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 related professional industry/military experience, OR a Master's degree of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 7 years of related professional industry/military experience
Must have prior Manager or leadership experience
Must have aviation flight test experience
Must have an Active DoD Secret clearance with full investigation within the last 6 years
Must have ability to obtain and maintain Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Active DoD Top Secret clearance
STEM Degree
Military flight experience, flight test operations,
Experience leading a flight test operations team
We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive 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.
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation-- building the next generation of sophisticated products 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, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits, a 9/80 schedule, 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 of Science in a STEM discipline AND 9 years related professional industry/military experience, OR Master's in STEM AND 7 years related experience
- Prior manager or leadership experience
- Aviation flight test experience
- Active DoD Secret clearance with full investigation within the last 6 years
- Ability to obtain and maintain Access (PAR) within a reasonable period
- Willingness to work extended shifts, weekends, and holidays as required
- Willingness to travel (position expectation up to ~25%)
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Military flight experience and flight test operations experience
- Experience leading a flight test operations team
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.





