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 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 and promotes a governance model establishing oversight of all NGAS operations. This is a full-time onsite position; remote/hybrid options are not available.

Responsibilities

• Serve 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.
• Assist programs and sites with resolution to audit findings; track and ensure closure.
• Conduct trend analysis for Flight Test and fielded operations audits; develop, implement, and drive process improvements.
• Assist programs during GFR and AOI audits; ensure appropriate response to corrective actions.
• Support all Working Groups activities and participate in NG Airworthiness Working Groups.
• Act as lead or team member for NGAS Flight or Ground Operations-related CPATS, CARs, RCCA, and IRTs.
• Manage all FGCOP, SOP, and MRPs; serve as FGOST representative supporting PrOP reviews, updates, and cancellations.
• Support FGCOP/SOP/MRP document owners through notification of required updates/reviews.
• Provide up-to-date tracking and status management of FGCOP/SOP/MRP and referenced documentation.
• Manage the Technical Operations Database including all FGCOPs, SOPs, MRPs, and Reference Documents.
• Conduct trend analysis for NGAS Flight Test and fielded operations audits; work with the Flight Test Technical Discipline to develop and implement process improvements.
• Serve as Aviation Safety Official; lead and implement the Safety Management System (SMS) and Safe & Just Culture.
• Perform instructor duties, including teaching the use of SMS and Safe & Just Culture.
• Act as FGOST Process Lead with oversight and management of the flight test operations database for all flight programs.
• Serve as liaison between Principles & Operating Practices (PrOP) Focal Points, PrOP Analyst, FGOST, Technical Disciplines, Site and Program Leadership, customer, and Government Flight Representative (GFR).

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.
• Expert knowledge of DCMA 8210.1 series, FAA Part 91, and NGAS requirements and processes.

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 for reports, metrics development, and data presentation.
• Excellent vertical & horizontal communication skills.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $139,000.00 - $241,200.00. The above range represents a general guideline; base salary offers consider scope and responsibilities of the position, 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 reward individual contributions and 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.