The role is required to
Lead a team of test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight support personnel executing ground and flight test activities in accordance with sector and company test and evaluation processes (e.g., configuration control, safety reviews, discrepancy reporting, and formal test reporting).
Ensure safe, disciplined, and compliant execution of developmental and operational test events in alignment with airworthiness, range, and customer requirements.
Coordinate test plans, hazard analyses, and risk mitigations with Program Management, Systems Engineering, Flight Test, Safety, Airworthiness, and Configuration/Data Management.
Provide technical leadership in evaluating aircraft/vehicle performance, handling qualities, and system behavior; synthesize pilot feedback and test data into clear recommendations for design improvements and risk reduction.
Own schedule and resource planning for test pilot engineering work scope, including crew assignment, training currency, simulator/aircraft availability, and integration of external resources as required.
Represent the test pilot engineering function in design reviews, safety reviews, customer technical interchange meetings, and formal test readiness reviews.
Drive continuous improvement in test conduct, reporting, and discrepancy resolution, ensuring timely closure of flight test findings and supporting formal test reports.
This position is critical to meeting EMD milestones and to maintaining compliance with customer, contractual, and internal flight test safety and reporting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead day-to-day operations of test pilot engineering for Strike.
Plan, brief, execute, and debrief flight and ground test events in accordance with approved test plans and safety processes.
Ensure rigorous documentation of test results, pilot flight reports, quick-look reports, and formal test reports; track and help resolve discrepancies.
Mentor and develop test pilots and flight test engineers; enforce standards for test discipline, professionalism, and safety.
Interface with customer test organizations and range authorities regarding test objectives, profiles, and safety constraints.
Support proposals and new business by providing test pilot engineering inputs to cost, schedule, and risk assessments.
Required Basic Qualifications
A minimum of 9 years of Engineering experience with a Bachelors degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (7 years w/ Masters)
A minimum of 10 years of combined aviation flight test experience
Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain, as required by program.
Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within reasonable time
Knowledge of Earned Value Management
Prior test pilot / experimental / developmental test experience or military pilot experience
Demonstrated experience leading flight or ground test activities, including planning, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for customer and internal leadership engagements.
Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., leading crews, teams, or projects).
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited Test Pilot School and/or extensive developmental test experience.
Experience with mission systems testing, and/or weapons integration testing.
Prior people-leadership experience (performance management, staffing, career development).
Experience with Northrop Grumman test and evaluation procedures and configuration/data management processes.
Significant experience in a developmental/operational test maintenance environment
Experience in a US Air Force Combined Test Force
Experience leading an aircraft operation under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight
Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
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: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00
The 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.
