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Flight Test Technician 3/4

Northrop Grumman

Posted today

Job Requirements

Palmdale, CA
Secret Polygraph Unspecified
Career Level not specified
$56,000 - $93,400

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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 Flight Test Technician 3/Flight Test Technician 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting our Lab Test Center of Technical Excellence for Test and Evaluation. This position will be located on site in Palmdale, CA.

The Lab Test Team is looking for an experienced Flight Test Technician with instrumentation test experience, good communication skills and a team centric approach. In this role, you will be performing a variety of duties assisting test engineers in the development of electrical, mechanical, and data systems. This could include but not limited to engineering designs, tests, fabrications, modifications, assemblies, and components. The selected candidate also will set up and test lab subassemblies under operational conditions. This will include fabricated and routed harness assemblies and installations. Prospective candidates will become familiar with the hardware and methodology used in systems, test setup, and data acquisition hardware as well as related sensors, e.g., LVDT, strain gages, string pots, load cells, torque transducers, and optical and audio sensors.

The selected individual must be capable of working as an individual contributor as well as part of a team. Selected candidate must be a motivated, driven individual with excellent communication skills, capable of successfully completing statement of work with somewhat minimal oversight/supervision. Individuals will follow the instructions of Vehicle Managers, Senior Technicians, or Engineers/Test Conductors, and must be able to read and interpret technical documents, such as drawings, schematics, sketches, procedures, technical orders etc.

Potential shifts:
  • 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm
  • 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am


Responsibilities Include:
  • Test, troubleshooting, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems including, but not limited to fuel, hydraulics, ECS, flight controls, propulsion, landing gear, CNI, and ground support equipment.
  • Operate ground equipment, aerospace systems checkout, perform pre and post-use inspections, service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other requirements as necessary.
  • Other responsibilities may include the application of materials, appliqués, coatings, decals, primer, and paint.
  • Read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.
  • Execute testing in accordance with direction provided by senior technician/engineering staff
  • Conducting tests and reporting data in the prescribed format, using predetermined methods, sequences, and setups to inspect or test specific equipment or products.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends as required
  • Adhere to all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety guidelines and regulations
  • Work and communicate over ambient noise
  • Work in a variety of work spaces/positions. Work spaces may include but are not limited to small, enclosed spaces, awkward, and elevated spaces. Positions may include bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, ascending/descending ladders, and/or working overhead.
  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 10-25% to support other site locations, Military Bases, and other various Program needs


We offer multiple shift options, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

This role will be filled at either a Flight Test Technician 3 or 4 based on the relevant experience required for each role.

Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 3:
  • High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of related experience.
  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to instrumentation systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
  • Ability to obtain U.S. Government Secret Clearance and Special Programs Access (SAP)or higher clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.
  • Ability to travel domestically AND internationally to support business need (the ability to obtain a US Passport for potential international travel is required).


Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 4:
  • High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of related experience.
  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to instrumentation systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.
  • Ability to obtain U.S. Government Secret Clearance and Special Programs Access (SAP)or higher clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.
  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.
  • Ability to travel domestically AND internationally to support business need (the ability to obtain a US Passport for potential international travel is required).


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active Secret Government Clearance
  • In-Scope Program Access
  • Active US Passport
  • Experience in LVDT, strain gages, string pots, load cells, torque transducers, and optical and audio sensors
  • Developmental or Production test experience
  • Mix of back shop and flightline maintenance experience
  • Familiarity with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance concepts
  • Must be able to lead and train lower-level employees
  • Familiarity with Maintenance Data Collection systems (MES, FMT, CAMS, etc.)
  • Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.


What We Offer:

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!

Primary Level Salary Range: $56,000.00 - $93,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

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.
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Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 2025 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.
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