Associate Test Conductor
About the role
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Associate Test Conductor to join the Test and Evaluation organization within the Depot & Modification Center (D&MC) in Palmdale, CA. The role involves assisting with ground and flight test events, working with System Test Engineers to execute test procedures, performing post‑production system operations, tracking test data, and coordinating supporting organizations for test program execution and planning.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct article test operations as an approved test conductor (test control room preparation, pre/post process briefs, coordination with scheduling, manufacturing, instrumentation, leading the test team through procedures as link between ground support team, control room test engineers, Systems Safety and flight crew).
- Provide support for post‑test data processing and analysis as required to meet test objectives.
- Provide guidance to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to the system under test.
- Analyze and interpret test data; provide recommendations to Engineering and Leadership for alternate means of compliance; support development and execution of test objectives.
- Utilize excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Utilize strong collaboration and teamwork to ensure effective training.
- Work independently while exercising good judgment, demonstrating flexibility and agility, prioritizing multiple tasks with competing deadlines, managing schedule conflicts, and providing excellent follow‑through.
- Work well with an ever‑changing team of aircraft technicians and engineers in a dynamic environment.
Requirements
- High School diploma (or equivalent) AND 4 years of related professional/military experience; OR Associate of Science degree AND 2 years of related experience; OR Bachelor of Science degree AND 0 years of related experience; OR Master of Science degree AND 0 years of related experience.
- Active US Government Secret clearance (background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable time as determined by business needs.
- Willing and able to work various shifts including 4/10 days, 4/10 nights, 3/10 day and 3/10 nights.
- Willing and able to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Travel required: approximately 10% of the time.
Qualifications
- BS/MS/PhD degree in a STEM discipline (preferred).
- Experience in test planning, execution, and operations.
- Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment.
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance (preferred).
- Previous experience with aircraft systems testing; B‑2 experience preferred.
- Experience reading and working to Air Force Technical Orders.
- Experience with aircraft data analysis using OGP (On Board Test System Ground Processor).
- Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office Tools.
- Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Savings plan (e.g., 401(k)).
- Company‑paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
- Overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus eligibility.
- Annual bonuses tied to individual performance and company results.
- Long‑term incentives for Vice President or Director positions.
- Learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, friendly team environment.
- No relocation assistance available.
Pay
Primary level salary range: $69,400.00 – $104,000.00 (base pay). Actual offers consider scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions; overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus may add to total compensation.
Schedule
Shift patterns include 4/10 days, 4/10 nights, 3/10 day and 3/10 nights; extended hours, weekends, and holidays as required.