Manager Aeronautical Engineering 2
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 29, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 18, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores B on the Alion truth index.
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.The Test & Evaluation department is looking for a Section Manager to lead the Flight Test Operations team. This position has both functional and technical responsibilities and is located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
The selected individual must have the technical and soft skills to lead the Flight Test Operations team and guide them through all facets of testing, design, build-up and execution. Candidate must be able and willing to execute in a multifaceted role and be willing to collaborate with engineering, functional and business team members located in multiple sites and across the country. This position requires a broad skillset in the area of flight test operations and the associated environment. Excellent communication skills are a must. Below are some, but not all, of the responsibilities of this position.
Functional responsibilities include:
- Coach and develop 10-15 team members including engineers and technicians
- Provide the people, processes, and tools required to meet the current and future needs of the various assigned flight test programs.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations and time card approvals
- Perform workforce planning such as staffing, hiring, and onboarding
- Execute special assignments in support of Program requests
- Work with Human Resources to mediate and resolve personnel issues
- Develop and improve personnel and organizational flight test operations skills
- Work closely with the Department manager and fellow section managers to implement department initiatives
Program / Technical execution responsibilities:
- Provide direction and oversight for initial ground and flight test acceptance of aircraft and associated onboard systems
- Track and/or manage projects
- Forecast staffing and resource management
- Collaborate with manufacturing team to work through and manage risks, issues and opportunities
- Participate in various technical interchange discussions
- Assign team members to develop and author acceptance test procedures and test reports
- Facilitate and coordinate communications across sites, customers, vendors and suppliers
- Assist in identifying and communicating changes, and updates to our statement of work (SOW)
Account Manager duties
- Understanding of program risk, opportunity and issue management processes
- Experience in direct communication with customer representatives (GFR&CFO)
The selected candidate must have excellent communication skills, be capable of collaborating with a diverse team of managers, engineers, and technicians. Candidate must have a good understanding of the groups SOW that includes serving as the contractors requesting official, aviation safety official for the site and serve as the liaison to the North Florida Regional Airport for aircraft operations. The candidate must be capable of adjusting to and thriving in a fast paced, very fluid work environment as well as being willing and able to support extended shifts, weekends, holidays and occasional travel.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 9 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience.
- Proven demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Knowledge of Aviation Safety Programs and processes
- Active DoD Secret Clearance, in scope within the last 5 years with the ability to obtain special program access
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant technical or management specialty
- Two years of experience in lead or first-level manager role in a technical engineering capacity
- Experience with weight and balance automated software system. (AWBS)
- Knowledge of Earned Value Management System principles and processes; proficiency in Cost
We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive 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.
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation-- building the next generation of sophisticated products to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well known for our inclusive, family environment, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits, a 9/80 schedule, and a great 401K matching program.
Primary Level Salary Range: $139,100.00 - $208,700.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.