Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Site Director – Director Engineering 1 located at Vandenberg SFB site for the Sentinel Program (upgrade and replacement of the land segment of our nation’s nuclear triad). This position will lead all Flight Test Activity as well as perform as Northrop’s executive site lead. This position has significant senior leadership contact and will require a candidate with strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to perform, adapt and lead through change.
Flight Test Director Roles and Responsibilities include:
- Direct and oversee the planning and execution of all aspects of Sentinel missile test launches, working collaboratively with the Missile Test Director and Command Systems Test Lead.
- Direct and manage relations with USG Range personnel and oversee the process for Range Safety certification.
- Direct and oversee the work of a team of 60-100 (geographically dispersed) professionals within a Functional Homeroom (FHR) structure (test & development & network (NW) engineers, technicians, test conductors, project managers).
- Oversee development and fielding of a test NW, Launch Support System (LSS), test flight instrumentation, flight analysis tools.
- Be knowledgeable and authoritative on all aspects of flight test and launch operations.
- Provide tactical and strategic leadership for System Test Integrated Product Team (IPT) to include scope of EMD DT&E and IOT&E flight tests.
- Direct and oversee development and delivery/installation of select support systems.
- Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules. Identify problems and develop solutions (such as allocation of resources or changing requirements).
- Oversee and ensure effective Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the organization and develop solutions in partnership with peers, division, matrix & executive leadership.
- Be an effective communicator across program teams, functions, and NG/customer leadership.
- Staff, plan, and effectively manage for a fast-paced test program that may see 3-4 test launches per year.
- Exhibit a sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability in managing complex technical programs, ensuring that engineering processes deliver measurable business and programmatic outcomes.
- Function as the primary spokesperson for the program to VSFB customer.
- Lead the site leadership team.
- Form and maintain a positive site culture.
- Be the executive “face” of the program at VSFB - Authoritatively speak to and positively represent NG and the Sentinel Program to our customer. Host visits, demonstrations and tours.
- Understand and positively influence USG site & space use decisions.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
You’ll Bring These Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree with 10 years of experience; OR a Master’s Degree with 8 years of experience
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP)
- Demonstrated experience with flight test for ICBMs, missiles, or aircraft.
- 5 years of program management experience or experience with Profit and Loss responsibility
- Experience managing people
- Experience in planning and program operations knowledge addressing cost, schedule, and technical performance, including earned value and risk and opportunity management.
These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance .
- Advanced Degrees in science, engineering or relevant acumen.
- Demonstrated customer relationship management experience.
- Demonstrated experience in managing or directing a test program or test program elements.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 10 years of experience or Master's degree with 8 years of experience
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance within scope with ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access
- Demonstrated flight test experience for ICBMs, missiles, or aircraft
- Five years of program management experience or experience with profit and loss responsibility
- Experience managing people
- Experience in planning and program operations addressing cost, schedule, and technical performance, including earned value management and risk/opportunity management
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance
- Advanced degree in science or engineering
- Demonstrated customer relationship management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing or directing a test program or test program elements
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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