Sr Principal Ground Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Edwards AFB, CA

2d•$161,600 - $193,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Test Operations Team (FTO) is seeking a Senior Principal Ground Test Engineer (GTE) to lead the planning and execution of ground test events at Edwards AFB, CA. The GTE will collaborate with Responsible Engineers (RE) and Systems Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations, and troubleshoot test anomalies. The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and direct a mixed team of engineers and technicians through ground test events. During launch and recovery operations, the GTE serves as the operational link between maintenance, engineering, mission control, and the pilots.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
A minimum of 8 years of engineering experience with a BS Degree, 6 years engineering experience with a MS degree in STEM Field, or 4 years with a PhD in STEM Field
Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and proven ability to interact with employees and management at all levels
Must have an Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher
Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
Willingness to work overtime, odd‑hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules

Nice To Haves

Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance
Active Special Program Access (SAP)
Experience as a Test Engineer or Test Conductor that includes test development, planning, and execution
Experience in a production test or military aircraft maintenance environment
Experience leading test teams on an operational flight line
Capability to comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions
Proven ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and bring differing perspectives into sound engineering decisions

Responsibilities

Develop and execute ground test procedures and support active flight line testing
Conduct preflight and postflight power on checks
Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to systems under test
Provide supervision and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test
Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and leadership for alternate means of compliance as required
Coordinate with support organizations in the execution and planning of a developmental test program
Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives