Flight Test Director – Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer – Test Director in Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA to lead flight test missions and ensure safety, efficiency, and discipline in testing.

The role requires coordinating with engineering disciplines and external agencies while safeguarding sensitive information. The candidate will oversee mission preparation, resources, and test plans, with responsibility for directing test control and flight test operations in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of related experience, or a Master’s with 6+ years, or a Ph.D. with 4+ years.

Responsibilities

• Brief pre- and post-event meetings.
• Supports test readiness reviews.
• Provides mission control room support and real-time safety/efficiency decisions.
• Supports simulations.
• Conducts pre/post-test data analyses for anomaly identification and resolution.
• Instructs other test directors when allowed by experience.
• Briefs upper management on event outcomes and planning.

Skills

Flight test leadership

Decision making under pressure

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM

Master's degree (preferred)

Ph.D. (preferred)

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer – Test Director in Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA to lead flight test missions and ensure safety, efficiency, and discipline in testing.

The role requires coordinating with engineering disciplines and external agencies while safeguarding sensitive information. The candidate will oversee mission preparation, resources, and test plans, with responsibility for directing test control and flight test operations in a dynamic,