Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer -Test and Evaluation Lead

Northrop Grumman; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Test & Evaluation Lead in Redondo Beach/El Segundo to coordinate and execute comprehensive test campaigns across ground and flight programs. You will develop test plans, lead verification activities, and ensure data integrity and contractual compliance.

The role requires active Secret clearance, strong leadership, and the ability to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance is required or the ability to obtain Top Secret.
• Eight years of related engineering or military experience; or Master's with six years; or PhD with four.
• Experience in test and evaluation within defense/aerospace environments.
• Experience coordinating with test facilities and government ranges.

Responsibilities

• Develop Test Plans, test procedures and test reports for flight/ground testing.
• Coordinate with government test ranges for approvals.
• Execute testing from validation to components and full vehicle.
• Coordinate ground facilities/resources for ground/flight testing.
• Report test status to SEIT Lead or Customer.
• Ensure test schedule meets timelines and budget.

Skills

Test & Evaluation experience

Defense and aeronautics

Secret clearance

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Master's Degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MBSE

Cameo

CPLM

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer- Test and Evaluation Lead to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation Engineering organization. This will be supporting our Research and Advance Design Expendables Operating Unit. This role is located in Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA.The Test Lead responsible for coordinating, managing, leading, and/or executing test activities to meet customer deliverable milestones across the program lifecycle. The Test Lead ensures the integrity, traceability, and control of program data, deliverables, and documentation in accordance with contractual and organizational standards.Primary Responsibilities:Develop Test Plans, test procedures and test reports for flight/ground testing, and coordinate with government test ranges for approvals.Execute testing from validation or proof of concept; to components, sub assemblies, and full vehicle.Testing to include all aspects of an EMD program such as wind tunnel, dynamics, sub-component validation, electrical, flight test.Coordinate and manage all Test and Evaluation from ground to flight test and store separation. Coordinate and manage ground facilities/resources required for ground/flight testing.Report to SEIT Lead or Customer to communicate test status and results.Ensure test schedule meets timelines to support requirement verification/validation by the SEIT lead.Coordinate test personnel availability and engineering POC's.Coordinate test hardware procurement.Complete and execute all Test activities on schedule and budget.The selected candidate must have strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to communicate with all level of program, sub contractors, and customer.We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, 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 betterBasic Qualifications:Bachelor’s of Science degree in STEM Discipline and 8 years of related engineering, technical management, and/or related military experience OR Masters of Science Degree in STEM and 6 years related experience, or PhD in STEM and 4 years of related experienceDemonstrated experience in test and evaluation within defense, aeronautics, or complex engineering environments.Experience testing at government or private facilities for ground, lab, wind-tunnel and/or flight test.Experience in requirement decomposition to lead design procedures, and execute tests including ground, lab, wind-tunnel, and/or flight test.Experience coordinating with test facilities to meet cost, schedule, and test requirements.Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret US Clearance.Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.Be able to travel up to 25% to multiple locations for ground and flight tests.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with Expendables/One time use missiles.Experience developing Flight Test Cards and procedures.Experience Leading Customer Deliverables.Experience with cradle to grave processes (conceptual design through production) for test and evaluation.Working knowledge of Aeronautical disciplines: Flight Sciences, Subsystems, Software, Structures, Vehicles, Test and Evaluation, Survivability, Mission Systems, Manufacturing and Production, Product Support, and Global Supply Chain.Demonstrated understanding of program risk, opportunity and issue management processExperience with Jira, Confluence, MBSE, Cameo, CPLM, and or other collaboration tools.Experience in US defense CDRL/SDRL processes and compliance requirements.Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.Experience with the DoD acquisition lifecycle, classified program execution, and support to technical proposals, SOWs, and BOEs.Experience briefing results to senior leadership and government customers.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: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.