Staff Systems Test Engineer – Test Director

Northrop GrummanPalmdale, CA
$161,000 - $241,400Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Systems Test Engineer to serve as a Test Director for the Flight Test Department. The Test Director supervises the execution of test missions, with a primary focus on safety, execution efficiency, standards, and test discipline. The Test Director ensures mission preparation is completed in accordance with local procedures, oversees the scheduling of resources and assets, and coordinates with all engineering disciplines and external agencies to ensure successful test execution. The Test Director safeguards sensitive and critical test information and adheres to the relevant Security Classification Guide. The Test Director has the authority to terminate the test event if the technical validity of the test is in question or safety jeopardized. Finally, the Test Director also helps to develop and review flight test plans and safety plans.

Requirements

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 10 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of test control and discipline engineers in Mission Control Room.
  • Effectively function and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments
  • Mission control experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work odd shifts, weekends and/or overtime.
  • Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Ability to adhere to rules and regulations, and willingness to help change rules and regulations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

  • FAA pilot rating
  • Military operations experience
  • Previous experience as aircrew member (Pilot, EWO, NAV, etc.)
  • Advanced Flight Test Operations and Control Room experience
  • Developmental Test and Operational Test operations experience.
  • Previous qualification as a Test Conductor/Director
  • Test Pilot School Graduate

Responsibilities

  • Brief pre- and post-event meetings
  • Supports test readiness reviews
  • Provides mission control room support and makes real-time decisions regarding safety, security, effectiveness, and efficiency.
  • Supports simulations
  • Conducts and contributes to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution.
  • Instructs other test directors, experience permitting
  • Brief upper management on event outcomes and planning

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • health insurance coverage
  • life and disability insurance
  • savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • 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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