Manager Flight Operations 1

This position is based at Edwards AFB, CA and requires an active, in-scope U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with a current investigation date within the last 5 years. Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain Program Access within 180 days. Relocation assistance is not available. Travel is required, up to 25% of the time.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Flight Operations Manager 1 to provide objective-oriented direction and work assignments to team members in support of aircraft test operations. This role oversees day-to-day operations for Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) maintenance, builds and leads effective teams, and works alongside Northrop Grumman and U.S. Government personnel. The position primarily follows a 4/10 shift schedule but may require alternative shifts based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan program performance, addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and full responsibility for operational performance on mid-size technical services contracts.
• Create, implement, and enforce processes and procedures for team effectiveness and accountability.
• Oversee projects and tasks assigned to organizational groups performed by non-exempt and/or exempt employees, stepping in to resolve complex problems as needed.
• Execute departmental procedures affecting individual employees and interpret policies for subordinate units, recommending modifications as necessary.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Accomplish results through subordinate supervisors or experienced exempt employees with significant latitude and independence.
• Maintain frequent interaction with internal personnel and customer representatives at various management levels concerning operations or scheduling.
• Conduct briefings and participate in technical meetings for internal and external representatives.
• Oversee daily operations of support functions for flight test operations, including direct reports, work assignments, schedules, workflow, personnel concerns, and timecard approvals.
• Originate support plans for potential customers and provide technical assistance to existing customer personnel.
• Forecast and manage budget systems.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) and 8 years of relevant experience in flightline and support equipment operations. A bachelor’s degree with 6 years of applied experience or a master’s degree with 4 years of applied experience may substitute.
• Team leadership and management experience.
• Experience in two or more of the following: electrical, fluid dynamics, diesel engines, HVAC, cryogenics, and turbines.
• Ability to direct day-to-day workflow and make decisions relating to team performance, expectations, and responsibilities.
• Experience establishing and maintaining operational work schedules.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including extended shifts, off-shifts, holidays, weekends, and on-call status (24/7/365).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of specialized, relevant experience in two or more of the following: aircraft, manufacturing, production, flight line, customer service, and/or tool crib.
• Experience standing up and sustaining new operations to support test organizations.
• Proficiency in risk mitigation, process improvement, and efficiency modifications.
• Experience with inventory, supply, material, and logistics databases: SAP, Maximo, SPA, Passport, FMT, MES, IMDS, G081, TCMAX, EESOHMIS.
• Experience identifying and procuring consumables, HAZMAT, tooling, and spare parts.
• Experience managing programs, including warehouse inventory, tool control, HAZMAT, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in asset management, configurations, and analyzing technical orders, CAD drawings, and engineering diagrams.
• Management of maintenance data integrity programs and review processes for released engineering data.
• Experience drafting Basis of Estimate (BOE) and Request for Proposal documents.
• Experience establishing baseline and re-baseline of labor, materials, and Other-Direct Costs (ODC’s) for statements of work and proposals.
• Experience forecasting manpower requirements, creating staffing plans, and material Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Experience authoring business proposals, process management guides, and work instructions.
• Data Ascension Library experience.
• Experience with Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Variance Analysis Reports, and EAC reviews.
• Active, in-scope DoD Top Secret Security Clearance and relevant special program accesses.

Pay

Primary salary range: $110,000.00 - $165,000.00. The final offer considers scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and company results. Vice Presidents or Directors may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.