Staff Pilot Test

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Staff Test Pilot to join the Test and Evaluation organization in Patuxent River, MD. The role supports E-2D production acceptance flight tests and Foreign Military Sales, including new production and modification program induction, verification, sell‑off and delivery, as well as collateral duties with the E‑2D Integrated Test Team and various E‑2 programs at the Melbourne, Florida campus. Relocation assistance may be available. A Secret clearance is required for start, with ability to obtain SAP clearance. Domestic and international travel up to 50% of the time is required, with possible extended international trips.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain air vehicle acceptance procedures, including technical justification
• Provide oversight for development of test plans/test cards to ensure safety and efficiency
• Lead pre‑flight briefs to coordinate complex air vehicle testing with aircrew and engineers
• Lead post‑flight debriefs to collect test data and capture lessons learned
• Execute missions as pilot in command during flight test missions
• Coordinate group training events to encourage continued learning within the test team
• Mentor pilots and flight test engineers
• Incorporate “lessons learned” and process improvements to maintain/improve safety and efficiency
• Author pilot daily reports highlighting details of test missions
• Manage NATOPS and aircrew training materials changes

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience, OR Master of Science in a STEM AND 10 years, OR STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years
• Active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance, with 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
• Current or former E‑2D pilot NATOPS Qualification
• Minimum 2,000 hours total flight time and 1,000 hours experience in E‑2 or C‑2
• Ability to pass FAA Class II physical as a condition of employment
• FAA commercial pilot certificate with multi‑engine and instrument rating
• FAA Radio Operators permit
• Willing and able to support travel up to 50% (including extended domestic and international trips)
• Willing and able to support varying shifts, overtime, and holidays as needed
• Willing to obtain and maintain required medical clearance(s) per customer contracting requirements
• Willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications as needed per customer contracting requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Hold or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• Internationally recognized Test Pilot School graduate or eligible for a NAVAIR Test Pilot School (TPS) waiver
• Experience working with foreign military personnel
• Aviation curriculum development experience
• Naval Aviation or USAF Safety Officer School graduate
• NATOPS model manager or experience
• Instructor pilot experience
• Carrier suitability, structural loads, engine/propeller test experience, and aerial refueling test experience desired

Benefits

Northrop Grumman provides health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $214,200.00 – $321,200.00 (base salary; eligibility for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and annual bonuses based on individual and company performance).

Schedule

Position requires varying shifts, overtime, and holiday work as needed to support business objectives, with up to 50% domestic and international travel (including possible extended international trips).