Test Equipment & Flying Test Bed Manager 2 (AHT)

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Northridge, CA seeks a Manager Test Engineering 2 to lead the STE/FTB program. The role is full-time and on-site, with occasional travel to support FTB operations and ranges.

You will manage the test equipment lifecycle for missile programs, drive engineering process improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet program objectives and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and team-development capabilities demonstrated.
• Ability to manage test equipment lifecycle from requirements to disposal.
• Proven technical depth and strong communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead an Engineering Department of up to 15 engineers in STE development and sustainment.
• Coordinate R&D payload integration and flight-test profiles for data collection.
• Oversee test-bed equipment and manage collaboration with ranges and program teams.
• Develop budgets, participate in design reviews, and drive process improvements.
• Support proposal activities and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Communication skills

Education

BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent

MS degree

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Northridge, CA is currently seeking a Manager Test Engineering 2 - Special Test Equipment & Flying Test Bed Manager to support various programs within the Advanced Weapons Business Unit. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Northridge, CA and support regular travel to Baltimore, MD to support FTB operations.

There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Relocation assistance, although not guaranteed, may be available.

This position reports directly to the Director of Systems Integration, Verification & Validation (SIV&V).

The Manager of Special Test Equipment (STE) and Flying Test Bed (FTB) will be responsible for supporting the implementation of strategic goals and objectives as applicable to the Test Equipment & FTB Department to support business objectives while managing the Advanced Weapons flying testbed in support of ongoing Research and Development (R&D) activities. The role will ensure engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with the organization's established policies and procedures.

The Manager of STE and FTB is responsible for overseeing the lifecycle management of test equipment used in missile programs, spanning from requirements definition through design, manufacturing, sustainment, and disposal. This role involves leading a team to ensure that test equipment and FTB meets the rigorous standards required for development and production use. The manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies for the design, procurement, and maintenance of test equipment and FTB material, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies. Additionally, the role requires the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and reliability of test equipment and FTB throughout its lifecycle. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and communication skills are essential to successfully coordinate with stakeholders and support the overall mission of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage an Engineering Department of up to 15 engineers focused on Special Test Equipment Development and Sustainment.
• Safely integrate and operate experimental R&D payloads on the test bed aircraft to include, conducting flight profiles that meet the specific altitude, air speed, and maneuvering parameters required for R&D data collection.
• Maintain and operate Advanced Weapons Business unit system-under-test equipment on FTB
• Coordinate target requirements with DOD ranges, to include ATR, Echo Range, NTTR, and others
• Prepare, peer review, and submit test plans as required by each range
• Work with Engineering Leadership, Peer Managers and Program Management to ensure programs are adequately and appropriately staffed.
• Coach and develop staff by providing an environment that encourages ongoing professional growth. Ensure staff receives the appropriate training and skill development opportunities to be successful in their roles.
• Act as resource to the department staff by providing guidance, interpretation, training and key input regarding operating procedures and processes.
• Champion and participate in engineering process improvement initiatives to ensure alignment of operations initiatives.
• Support the Business Unit's initiative to adopt Design for Manufacturability and Test practices.
• Develop and administer budgets and standards of performance.
• Participate in Peer Reviews and Major Design Reviews.
• Support proposal development and substantiation of related contract activities.
• Identify capital, facility, and other resource requirements to secure discretionary funding to support development and transition to production needs.

Basic Qualifications for a Manager Test Engineering 2 role:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent with 8+ years of experience; or MS 6+ years of the same experience.
• 4+ years