SkillBridge - Flight Test Technician 3/4

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 66,600 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401K matching program

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Flight Test Technician 3/4 in Palmdale, CA. This role involves testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining aerospace systems, requiring a high school diploma and relevant experience. Candidates must also have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance. Opportunities for growth and a supportive team environment are emphasized.

Responsibilities include operating ground equipment, conducting tests, and adhering to safety regulations. This position is essential for those preparing for civilian careers, with a potential conversion to full-time employment.

Qualifications

• 4 years of related experience for Flight Test Tech 3.
• 6 years of related experience for Flight Test Tech 4.
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

• Test, troubleshoot, and maintain aerospace systems.
• Operate ground equipment and perform inspections.
• Read and interpret schematics and engineering drawings.

Skills

Aircraft electrical systems

Flightline operations

Maintenance data collection systems

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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. As one of the largest global security companies in the world, Northrop Grumman is proud to help our nation’s military personnel navigate their next chapter into civilian careers. Approximately 20% of Northrop Grumman’s 100,000 employees self-identify as veterans, and more than 2,000 are reservists. The Northrop Grumman SkillBridge Program is an approved SkillBridge Program under Dept. of Defense Instruction 1322.29. The program is an opportunity for service members preparing for civilian careers to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 6 months of service, for up to 180 days. The SkillBridge Program is open to all ranks and experience levels. SkillBridge participants are not eligible for compensation from Northrop Grumman, as they continue to receive military compensation and benefits as active‑duty service members.

Responsibilities For SkillBridge Program Participation Are

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) has developed the Northrop Grumman – SkillBridge Program (SkillBridge) utilizing the DoDI guidance for SkillBridge. Through this program, the service‑member will work on site with their host company, gaining experience in an entry to mid‑level career path. The service member will be on the job training supporting a work schedule equivalent to 40hrs per week. Outlined below are the Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for the program.

Goals: Provide separating service‑members with job skills training in a professional setting during the final phase of their military service. This program is specifically designed to offer hands‑on experience that results in the potential to convert to a full‑time opportunity as the conclusion of the training. Participants will serve as a pipeline for high‑speed, motivated military candidates into NGC.

Objectives: Service Members who complete the SkillBridge program will be highly trained, capable, future employees that align to the specific needs of the organization and are prepared to meet the NG mission “Defining Possible” on Day 1. This program provides comprehensive hands‑on experience including professional development, networking with leadership, and training specifically focused on NG leadership principles, company history, customer/stakeholder engagement, product and service overview, and core job responsibilities.

Outcome: Offer service‑members preparing for civilian careers a rewarding opportunity to join the Northrop Grumman team.

• Has served at least 180 days on active duty
• Is within 12 months of separation or retirement
• Will receive an honorable discharge
• Has taken any service TAPS/TGPS
• Has attended or participated in an ethics brief within the last 12 months
• Received Unit Commander written authorization and approval to participate in SkillBridge Program prior to start of internship

Flight Test Technician 3 / Flight Test Technician 4

This position will be based out of Palmdale, CA.

A start date, for candidates selected, will be determined after obtaining Special Program Access (SAP).

Responsibilities Include

• Test, troubleshoot, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems including, but not limited to fuel, hydraulics, ECS, flight controls, propulsion, landing gear, CNI, and ground support equipment.
• Operate ground equipment, aerospace systems checkout, perform pre and post‑use inspections, service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other requirements as necessary.
• Other responsibilities may include the application of materials, appliqués, coatings, decals, primer, and paint.
• Read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.
• Execute testing in accordance with direction provided by senior technician/engineering staff.
• Conduct tests and report data in the prescribed format, using predetermined methods, sequences, and setups to inspect or test specific equipment or products.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends as required.
• Adhere to all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety guidelines and regulations.
• Work and communicate over ambient noise.
• Work in a variety of work spaces/positions. Work spaces may include but are not limited to small, enclosed spaces, awkward, and elevated spaces. Positions may include bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, ascending/descending ladders, and/or working overhead.

We offer multiple shift options, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team 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.

This role will be filled at either a Flight Test Technician 3 or 4 based on the relevant experience required for each role.

Basic Qualifications For a Flight Test Tech 3

• High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of related experience.
• Related experience in one or more of the following but not limited to aircraft electrical systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
• The ability to obtain Special Programs Access (SAP) prior to the commencement of employment, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
• Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
• Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment.

Basic Qualifications For a Flight Test Tech 4

• High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of related experience.
• Related experience in one or more of the following but not limited to aircraft electrical systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
• The ability to obtain Special Programs Access (SAP) prior to the commencement of employment, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
• Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
• Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active In‑Scope Program Access.
• Developmental or Production test experience.
• Mix of back shop and flightline maintenance experience.
• Familiarity with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance concepts.
• Must be able to lead and train lower‑level employees.
• Familiarity with Maintenance Data Collection systems (MES, FMT, CAMS, etc.).
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.

What We Offer

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft 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, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00

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 and to 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 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.