The Flight Test Operations Team (FTO) is seeking a Ground Test Engineer (GTE) to lead the planning and execution of ground test events at Edwards AFB, CA. The GTE will collaborate with Responsible Engineers (RE) and Systems Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations, and troubleshoot test anomalies.
The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and direct a mixed team of engineers and technicians through ground test events. During launch and recovery operations, the GTE serves as the operational link between maintenance, engineering, mission control, and the pilots.
The selected candidate will:
- Develop and execute ground test procedures and support active flight line testing
- Conduct preflight and postflight power on checks
- Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to systems under test
- Provide 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
- Coordinate with support organizations in the execution and planning of a developmental test program
- Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives
The selected candidate must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st or 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift or 2nd shift.
The selected candidate must be willing to support extended hours, shift rotations, weekends, and holidays as needed. The candidate must also be willing to travel domestically to support testing operations.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of technical/military experience, OR Associate of Science degree plus 4 years of related technical/military experience OR High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D) plus 6 years of combined technical experience
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and proven ability to interact with employees and management at all levels
- Must have an Active U.S. Government 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
- Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience as a Test Engineer or Test Conductor that includes test development, planning, and execution
- Experience in a production test or military aircraft maintenance environment
- Experience leading test teams on an operational flight line
- Capability to comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions
- Proven ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and bring differing perspectives into sound engineering decisions
- We offer exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, strong learning opportunities, and a collaborative team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help grow our capabilities and improve our flight test operations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree plus 2 years technical/military experience OR Associate of Science plus 4 years related technical/military experience OR High School/GED plus 6 years combined technical experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with employees and management at all levels
- Active U.S. Government Secret clearance or higher (must be active)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period
- Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, extended hours, shift rotations, weekends, and holidays
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically (approximately 10% travel)
- Experience as a Test Engineer or Test Conductor including test development, planning, and execution
- Current active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience in a production test or military aircraft maintenance environment and leading test teams on an operational flight line
- Ability to analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and coordinate across multidisciplinary teams
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.





