Description
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.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Engineer / Principal Flight Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. The position will be located onsite at Edwards AFB.
The Flight Test Engineer will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of developmental ground and flight test activities. The candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining test cards and documentation; providing test control support; and serving as a key technical focal point within the control room. This position requires an experienced engineer who can work under minimal/general direction, exercise sound judgment in real time, and drive issues to closure.
Essential Functions:
- Develop flight test and mission profiles; create and manage flight test cards and test schedules.
- Support distributed test operations and flight preparation sheets as required.
- Conduct ground and flight tests in accordance with established test plans, procedures, and safety requirements.
- Support test readiness reviews and lead/participate in pre- and post-test briefings.
- Provide mission control room support, making real-time decisions regarding safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of test execution.
- Support and collaborate with test operations personnel and other engineering disciplines during test card development, review, and execution.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration within a multidisciplinary team environment while also being able to work independently with limited supervision.
- Oversee and coordinate the activities of test participants to ensure efficient execution of test missions.
- Willingness and ability to work overtime, odd shifts, and weekends to support test schedules and mission requirements.
This requisition may be filled as either a Flight Test Engineer level 2 or a Principal Flight Test Engineer level 3
Basic Qualifications:
- (Flight Test Engineer Level 2) Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 2 years of related experience; OR Masters degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of related experience
- (Principal Flight Test Engineer Level 3) Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or equivalent data analysis systems.
- Prior professional experience in Flight Test
- Strong technical background with the ability to perform system-level analysis and evaluation.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Self-motivated, thorough, and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success.
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- In depth knowledge of or test experience, to include control room monitoring.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance

