Manager Test Engineering 2

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, employees work on revolutionary systems that impact lives worldwide, from historic milestones like the first trans‑Atlantic flight and stealth bombers to landing on the moon. The Aeronautics Systems Sector is seeking a Manager Test Engineering 2 to lead the flight test instrumentation operations section for the classified B‑21 Raider program, the world’s first sixth‑generation aircraft. This role is based in Palmdale, CA and Edwards AFB, supports a large‑scale flight test instrumentation system, and requires relocation assistance, an active DoD Secret clearance, and involves up to 25% travel (with up to 10% travel mentioned elsewhere in the posting). The manager will oversee 15+ direct reports, manage schedules, spend and staffing plans, develop proposals, prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, and support varying shift patterns (4×10 M‑TH/Tu‑Fr or 3×10 Fri‑Sun, 1st or 2nd shift) as business needs dictate.

Responsibilities

• Lead the flight test instrumentation operations section within the classified Aeronautics Sector portfolio.
• Oversee build‑up, integration, checkout, and operations of a large‑scale flight test instrumentation system.
• Manage staff (15+ direct reports) and technical activities.
• Create and manage schedules, spend plans, and staffing plans.
• Develop proposals for future work.
• Prepare presentations and reports; routinely present status to senior leadership.
• Act with integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards.
• Enable the team to achieve predictable and balanced results while satisfying internal and external partners.
• Foster an inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team.
• Build trusted customer relationships and communicate effectively across the organization.
• Drive excellence, continuous improvement, and vigorous response to change.
• Support any shift pattern (4×10 M‑TH/Tu‑Fr or 3×10 Fri‑Sun, 1st or 2nd shift) based on business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of professional/military experience, OR a Master’s degree and 7 years of professional/military experience.
• Minimum 5 years of flight test experience or instrumentation/electrical fabrication experience.
• Prior management/leadership experience.
• Active DoD Secret level clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period as determined by the company.

Skills

• Solid technical understanding of instrumentation systems and architectures.
• Ability to interface with all levels of functional and program management.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute technical projects from inception through completion while managing multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance of statement of work elements.
• Experience coordinating preparation of proposals, business plans, and spend plans.
• Risk and opportunity management experience.
• Customer relationship experience.
• Control Account Management experience.

Benefits

• Phenomenal learning opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers.
• Friendly, inclusive work environment.
• Exceptional benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance, and savings plans.
• Company‑paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Great 401K matching program.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $146,600.00 – $219,800.00. The range is a guideline; base salary offers consider scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and annual bonuses that reward individual contributions and share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director roles may qualify for Long Term Incentives.

Schedule

Northrop Grumman offers a 9/80 schedule. The position requires flexibility to work any shift pattern (4×10 M‑TH/Tu‑Fr or 3×10 Fri‑Sun, 1st or 2nd shift) based on business needs.