At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Aeronautics Engineering organization is seeking a highly qualified Test Engineering Manager 2 to lead the Flight Test Engineering Survivability team at Edwards AFB, CA. This engineering manager is expected to provide technical oversight and functional support as a section manager for a team of 10-15 survivability flight test engineers of all grade levels as well as provide programmatic leadership to this team throughout the flight test campaign.
The Test Engineering Manager will work with a variety of test disciplines in a Combine Test Force (CTF) environment at Edwards AFB, and with several Integrated Product Teams to complete task related to testing of low observable (LO) and electronic warfare systems (EWS).
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.
Core Responsibilities:
- Provide people and discipline leadership to a team of 10-15 flight test engineers ensuring talent is staffed and trained to meet program delivery and employee growth.
- Apply survivability and test technical expertise to lead their team to perform, solve complex issues, and knock down obstacles to allow their team to execute efficiently and effectively.
- Work collaboratively in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to determine and communicate test requirements, testing methods, equipment / measurement selection, test setup, and pre/post testing reporting.
- Communicate test risks, issues, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders
The candidate should have a genuine desire to lead and value people. They must possess the “soft skills" necessary for personnel leadership and be ready and willing to continue refining and learning these skills. Team development and coaching is key to being a successful manager at Northrop Grumman.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering, OR 7 a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering
- Must have experience in a systems test environment
- Must have an Active U.S. Government Secret clearance with full investigation within the last 6 years
- 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.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills; experience presenting technical briefings to senior leadership, contractors, and customers.
- Direct test experience in flight testing of survivability capabilities, weapon systems, and/or mission systems of military aircraft
- Demonstrated understanding of LO concepts: radar cross section (RCS) reduction, signature management, and material coatings.
- Familiarity with electronic warfare fundamentals: electronic support, electronic attack, and electronic protection.
- Prior experience working in classified environments and implementing Safety Management System (SMS) processes for flight test operations.
- Familiarity with USAF 412th Test Wing processes.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline and 9 years of related professional/military engineering experience OR Master's in a STEM discipline and 9 years of related professional/military engineering experience
- Experience in a systems test environment
- Active U.S. Government Secret clearance with full investigation within the last 6 years
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR)
- Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules
- Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills and experience presenting technical briefings to senior leadership
- Direct flight test experience in survivability capabilities, weapon systems, and/or mission systems of military aircraft
- Demonstrated understanding of LO concepts: radar cross section (RCS) reduction, signature management, and material coatings
- Familiarity with electronic warfare fundamentals: electronic support, electronic attack, and electronic protection
- Prior experience working in classified environments and implementing Safety Management System (SMS) processes for flight test operations
- Familiarity with USAF 412th Test Wing processes
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.
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