Lead Flight Test Engineering Manager

Northrop Grumman; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a highly qualified Manager Test Pilot Engineering 2 to lead the Flight Test team on a program at Edwards AFB, CA. The role requires extensive engineering and flight test experience, DoD secret clearance, and leadership capabilities.

The position emphasizes planning, risk mitigation, and coordination with program management, systems engineering, safety, and customer stakeholders. Primary salary is a key consideration with strong market compensation.

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).

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.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Flight test planning

Communication skills

Team leadership

Hazard analysis

Education

Bachelors in STEM

Masters degree preferred

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a highly qualified Manager Test Pilot Engineering 2 to lead the Flight Test team on a program at Edwards AFB, CA. The role requires extensive engineering and flight test experience, DoD secret clearance, and leadership capabilities.

The position emphasizes planning, risk mitigation, and coordination with program management, systems engineering, safety, and customer stakeholders. Primary salary is a key consideration with strong market compensation.