Northrop Grumman
Principal/ Senior Principal Flight Test Engineer - Test Director
Patuxent River, MD
Apr 6, 2025
$110,300 - $165,500 a year
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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 exciting career opportunity for a Test Director (TD) on a highly skilled team supporting MQ-4C Triton program test and evaluation activities. This is a full-time work onsite position, located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
The MQ-4C Triton test team has an opening for a Test Director to conduct developmental ground and flight tests. Candidates must fully understand the role of flight test engineering and the requisite organizational support in executing flight test programs. This position requires knowledge of Flight Test operations in support of developmental air vehicle and mission system testing. Role responsibilities include participating in all facets of flight test planning and execution in multiple areas including requirements development, test planning, test event preparation, and test coordination. However, test execution will be the primary role of this position. Execution includes planning the event (preparing flight profiles and test cards, etc.), briefing (pre/post), leading the event, and completing post event reporting such as a flash report. The candidate will also be responsible for coordinating appropriate resources and assets for the event (aircrew, airspace, etc.) with the scheduling team in support of the test event. The candidate may also be responsible for chase vehicle duties. This includes obtaining an airfield driver's license and completing a qualification training plan. As a key member of the Triton Integrated Test Team, the selected candidate will interface with the customer to assist in the development and modification of test plans as required to support test. 
Basic Qualifications
This requisition may be filled at either the Principal OR Senior. Principal level based on qualifications listed, below
Basic Qualifications for Principal Flight Test Engineer

•  Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
• A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience with a BS Degree, 3 years engineering experience with a MS degree in STEM Field, or 1 year with a PhD in STEM Field
• Must be able to work plane-side both indoors and outside.
• Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher
• Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Flight Test Engineer

• 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 3 year with a PhD in STEM Field
• Must be able to work plane-side both indoors and outside.
• Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher
• Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
Preferred Qualifications:

• SIGINT/ESM/RADAR/EO/IR fight test experience desired.
• Previously qualified Test Director with control room experience.
• Experience in unmanned air vehicle flight test execution.
• Previous experience working in an Integrated Test Team.
• Experience and working knowledge of NAVINST 3960 test planning process. 
• DOD Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and retain a Special Access Program clearance.
Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00Salary Range 2: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00The 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.PDN-9e9b8399-d306-487c-b911-a504b87af719
Job Information
Job Category:
Engineering
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Principal/ Senior Principal Flight Test Engineer - Test Director
Northrop Grumman
Patuxent River, MD
Apr 6, 2025
$110,300 - $165,500 a year
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