Sr. Principal Ground Test Engineer- Air Vehicle Technical Lead

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Ground Test Engineer- Air Vehicle Technical Lead to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization. This position will be located in Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

The Flight Test Operations Team (FTO) is seeking a Sr. Principal Ground Test Engineer- Air Vehicle Technical Lead for a team lead role focused on Air Vehicle test execution Statement of Work (SOW) with a strong emphasis on leadership. This position is not a manager role but will serve as the primary engineering technical lead, guiding a multidisciplinary team through complex test operations and aircraft maintenance activities.

The role is based 100% on-site at Edwards AFB, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of ground and flight test operations, serving as the link between maintenance teams and program control room engineers, directors, and operations crew.
• Maintain and brief accurate air vehicle status to program leadership.
• Develop and schedule test events, collaborate with Responsible Engineers (RE) and Systems Test Engineers (STE) to create test procedures, and oversee test article operations both on and off the flight line.
• Maintain and manage test point databases, ensuring accurate data collection and post-test analysis to support test objectives.
• Provide first-line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to systems under test, including supervision and direction to maintenance personnel.
• Foster a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all applicable procedures and regulations (including DCMA Instruction 8210).
• Drive disciplined execution and process rigor, maintaining resource forecasts and achieving cost and schedule performance goals for assigned aircraft.
• Collaborate with government and contractor leaders to develop detailed execution plans and promote an integrated team approach to problem solving.
• Encourage and model Northrop Grumman values, upholding ethical standards, accountability, and a commitment to shared success.

Leadership Focus:

• Guide and inspire a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, promoting a respectful and engaged work environment.
• Operate as a team lead, not a manager, but with responsibility for technical direction, task prioritization, and team coordination.
• Lead engineering briefs/debriefs and test missions, ensuring clear communication and alignment across all stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline with 9 years of relevant experience; Master's Degree with 7 years; PhD with 4 year.
• Must have prior team and/or project leadership experience
• Experience in production test and/or military aircraft maintenance environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
• Active DoD Secret clearance (background investigation within last 5 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
• Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable amount of time for business needs.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required to support testing operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a Test Engineer, Test Conductor/Director in test planning, execution, and operations.
• Significant time spent on an operational flight line.
• FAA Airman certification (A&P, Flight Engineer, Pilot).
• Active Program clearance or Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with Earned Value Management.
• Experience in a US Air Force Combined Test Force.
• Experience leading aircraft operations under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight.

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.