Director of Flight Test I
About The Position
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 (NGDS) is seeking an accomplished and innovative Director of Flight Test to join our Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA. This leadership role is integral to advancing the flight test and operational execution of our Advanced Weapons family of missiles, which are critical to achieving mission success for global defense systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM-related discipline with 15+ years of experience, or 13+ years with a master’s degree, or 10+ years with a Ph.D.
- Extensive experience leading the planning, execution, and analysis of flight test operations for complex aerospace systems.
- Proficiency in flight test processes, safety protocols, range coordination requirements, instrumentation, telemetry, and performance analysis.
- Demonstrated capability to balance and achieve Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) while adhering to cost and schedule constraints.
- Exceptional technical leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional organizations.
- Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related STEM discipline.
- Specialized experience in flight testing air-launched weapon systems or missile systems.
- Strong technical foundation in flight test planning, execution, real-time data acquisition, post-mission analysis, and risk management.
- Expertise in advanced telemetry systems, sensors, guidance platforms, and data integration tools.
- Familiarity with digital engineering workflows and data-driven decision processes in testing environments.
- Prior engagement in planning and coordinating test activities across geographically distributed teams, stakeholders, and flight test ranges.
- Proven ability to deliver innovative test solutions to enhance schedule adherence, technical quality, and performance assurance.
- The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, if required.
Responsibilities
- Orchestrate Flight Test Campaigns: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test activities to validate missile performance and operational capabilities under representative mission conditions.
- Ensure Event Readiness: Implement thorough planning, scheduling, and risk management practices to ensure readiness for all flight test milestones, minimizing delays and optimizing resource utilization.
- Collaborate for Excellence: Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Systems Engineering, Verification & Validation, Software Integration, Test & Evaluation) to support system integration and verification strategies.
- Utilize Advanced Test Methodologies: Integrate robust and cutting-edge data collection, telemetry systems, and analytical tools to continuously improve test fidelity, efficiency, and overall mission assurance.
- Oversee Range and Safety Compliance: Work closely with system safety and test range personnel to ensure compliance with range safety policies, procedures, and regulations while representing program objectives.
- Drive Quality and Performance: Champion excellence by adhering to stringent engineering and safety standards to support flight test success and reliable missile system performance.
- Support Decision Boards: Participate in and provide technical expertise to key decision forums, such as Test Readiness Reviews, Program Management Reviews, and other engineering boards, to ensure alignment with business unit goals.
- Optimize Flight Test Resources: Partner with the Director of System Verification & Validation to drive innovation to achieve efficient and effective resource allocation, advancing flight test operations while meeting cost, schedule, and performance benchmarks.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- Annual bonuses
- Long Term Incentives (for VP or Director positions)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
