Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Principal/Senior Principal Test Engineer - Flight Test Organization (FTO) Ground Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This position will be located in Edwards AFB, CA.
In this role, the selected candidate will plan and schedule test events, work with Responsible Engineers (REs) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations – both on and off an active flight line – and maintain a test point data base within the Strike FTO team. They will plan, coordinate, and conduct test operations as an approved test conductor; to include test deck preparation, engineering briefs/debriefs, and will lead our team through test missions as the link between the Maintenance team and the Mission Control Room Flight Test Engineering and Test Operations teams.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develop and execute ground test procedures and support active flight line testing.
- Conductor of preflight and postflight checks.
- Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives
- Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test, supervision, and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test.
- Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and leadership for alternate means of compliance as required, and support development and execution of test objectives.
The selected Candidate must be willing to work 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 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.
**This requisition may be filled at either the Principal OR Senior. Principal level based on qualifications listed, below**
Basic Qualifications for Principal:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
- A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience with a BS Degree, 3 years engineering experience with a MS degree in STEM Field, or 1 year with a PhD in STEM Field
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
- A minimum of 8 years of engineering experience with a BS Degree, 6 years engineering experience with a MS degree in STEM Field, or 4 years with a PhD in STEM Field
Basic Qualifications for both Principal and Sr Principal:
- Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher
- Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
- Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Flight test experience
- Experience that includes test planning, execution, and operations
- Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field
- Principal-level: Minimum 5 years engineering experience with BS, 3 years with MS, or 1 year with PhD
- Senior Principal-level: Minimum 8 years engineering experience with BS, 6 years with MS, or 4 years with PhD
- Active DoD Secret clearance (or higher) at start
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR)
- Willingness and ability to work various shift schedules (including 3x10 Fri-Sun and 4x10 Mon-Thurs)
- Flight test experience
- Experience with test planning, execution, and operations
- Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Access Program (SAP) access
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
.png)






