Flight Test Technician 3/4-Active Secret Clearance Required

Northrop Grumman • Palmdale, CA

6d • $66,600 - $131,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is hiring a Flight Test Technician 3 or Flight Test Technician 4 to support its Test and Evaluation Organization. The position is onsite in Palmdale, California. A start date for selected candidates will be determined after they obtain Special Program Access (SAP). An active Secret clearance or higher is required, and candidates must be able to obtain SAP before starting within a reasonable period determined by the company.

Potential schedules include four 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday on first shift (5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or second shift (3:00 p.m.–1:30 a.m.); three 10-hour shifts Friday through Sunday on first shift (5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or second shift (3:00 p.m.–1:30 a.m.); or a Friday-through-Sunday split shift (12:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.). Shift times may vary. The employee must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including extended shifts, holidays, and weekends as needed.

The role performs test, troubleshooting, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems and ground support equipment. It includes operating ground equipment, carrying out aerospace system checkouts and inspections, servicing systems, and conducting tests and reporting data in prescribed formats. Work may also involve applying materials, coatings, decals, primer, and paint, as well as fabricating and assembling fixtures or components from schematics, drawings, and instructions. The technician follows direction from senior technicians and engineering staff and complies with PPE and safety requirements.

The work is physically demanding and may take place in small, enclosed, awkward, elevated, and noisy spaces. Tasks and positions may involve bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, working overhead, and lifting up to 30 pounds. The technician must be able to access confined spaces and communicate in ambient noise. The role offers multiple shift options, learning opportunities, exposure to diverse projects and customers, and a team environment. The position may be filled at level 3 or 4 based on relevant experience.

Requirements

• For Flight Test Technician 3: High school diploma or GED and 4 years of related experience.
• For Flight Test Technician 4: High school diploma or GED and 6 years of related experience.
• Related experience in one or more areas such as aircraft electrical systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, or flightline operations.
• Active U.S. Government Secret clearance or higher, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or current enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) before employment begins, within a reasonable period determined by the company.
• Ability to perform moderately strenuous, repetitive physical work, including bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
• Ability to access small, confined spaces and work in enclosed environments.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Active in-scope program access.
• Developmental or production test experience.
• A mix of back-shop and flightline maintenance experience.
• Familiarity with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance concepts.
• Ability to lead and train lower-level employees.
• Familiarity with Maintenance Data Collection systems such as MES, FMT, or CAMS.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble fixtures or components.

Responsibilities

• Test, troubleshoot, remove, install, modify, and maintain aerospace systems, including fuel, hydraulics, ECS, flight controls, propulsion, landing gear, CNI, and ground support equipment.
• Operate ground equipment and perform aerospace systems checkouts and pre- and post-use inspections.
• Service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other system requirements as necessary.
• Apply materials, appliqués, coatings, decals, primer, and paint as needed.
• Read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble fixtures or components.
• Execute testing as directed by senior technician or engineering staff.
• Conduct tests and report data in the prescribed format using predetermined methods, sequences, and setups.
• Follow required PPE, safety guidelines, and regulations.
• Work and communicate in ambient noise and in varied workspaces and positions, including confined, awkward, and elevated spaces.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• 401(k) matching program
• Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED