Staff Engineer Systems Test

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an immediate opening for a Flight, Ground and/or Safety Operations subject matter expert (SME) for the Flight & Ground Operations Standardization Team (FGOST). This position supports the Test and Evaluation (T&E) Center of Technical Excellence (CoTE) through execution of internal evaluations and procedural management for safety and flight & ground operations. This leadership role is based at one of the following locations: Melbourne, FL; Palmdale, CA; Rancho Bernardo, CA; or Oklahoma City, OK.

This position requires a highly experienced SME in flight, ground, and/or safety operations with expert knowledge of DCMA 8210.1 series, FAA Part 91, and NGAS requirements and processes as they apply to all NGAS programs and fielded operations. The role ensures standardization of all aspects of flight, ground, and safety operations across the NGAS sector. This individual will evaluate programs and promote a governance model establishing oversight of all NGAS operations. The position is full-time onsite; remote/hybrid options are not available.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the FGOST Process Lead with oversight and management of the flight test operations database for all flight programs.
• Act as liaison between Principles & Operating Practices (PrOP) Focal Points, PrOP Analyst, FGOST, Technical Disciplines, Site and Program Leadership, customer, and Government Flight Representative (GFR) for Flight Ground Contractor Operations Procedures (FGCOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Mishap Response Plans (MRPs), and Reference Documents.
• Become qualified to teach the use of the Safety Management System (SMS) and Safe & Just Culture.
• Represent NGAS as the flight, ground, or safety operations SME at government and industry working groups.
• Audit Flight Programs and fielded operations annually in accordance with DCMA 8210.1, FAA Part 91, and NGAS requirements relating to flight operations.
• Assist programs and sites with resolution to audit findings; track and ensure closure.
• Conduct trend analysis for Flight Test and fielded operations audits; work with working groups to develop, implement, and drive process improvements applicable to all Flight Test and fielded operations.
• Assist programs during GFR and AOI audits; ensure programs appropriately respond to any resultant corrective actions.
• Support all Working Groups activities and participate in NG Airworthiness Working Groups.
• Participate as a lead or team member with NGAS Flight or Ground Operations-related CPATs, CARs, RCCA, and IRTs.
• Manage all FGCOP, SOP, & MRPs.
• Serve as FGOST representative supporting PrOP reviews, updates, and cancellations to NGAS and Corporate procedures.
• Support FGCOP/SOP/MRP document owners through notification of reference documents requiring updates/review.
• Provide up-to-date tracking and status management of FGCOP/SOP/MRP and referenced documentation for NGAS.
• Manage Technical Operations Database including all FGCOPs, SOPs, MRPs, & Reference Documents.
• Conduct trend analysis for all NGAS Flight Test and fielded operations audits; work with the Flight Test Technical Discipline to develop, implement, and drive process improvements.
• Serve as Aviation Safety Official; lead and implement the Safety Management System.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 10 years of related professional/military experience.
• Experience in aircraft maintenance, flight ops, flight test engineering, or flight safety.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI and SAP clearances.
• U.S. Military flight operations, maintenance, quality, test experience, or safety.
• Fluent with DCMA & DoD regulations and procedures; prior DCMA experience (GFR or GGR).
• Experience building intranet websites or databases for information, collaboration, and project tracking.
• Experience in Safety Management Systems.
• Expert-level knowledge of MS Office apps and Project to create reports, metrics development and tracking, and present data to executives, management, and line personnel.
• Excellent vertical & horizontal communication skills.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $139,000.00 - $241,200.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers. 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.

Benefits

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