Test Conductor

Relocation assistance may be available. Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required for start. Travel: 10% of the time.

About the Role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history. The Flight Test Operations Team (FTO) is seeking a Ground Test Engineer (GTE) to lead the planning and execution of ground test events at Edwards AFB, CA.

The GTE will collaborate with Responsible Engineers (RE) and Systems Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations, and troubleshoot test anomalies. The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and direct a mixed team of engineers and technicians through ground test events. During launch and recovery operations, the GTE serves as the operational link between maintenance, engineering, mission control, and the pilots.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute ground test procedures and support active flight line testing
• Conduct preflight and postflight power on checks
• Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to systems under test
• Provide supervision and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test
• Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and leadership for alternate means of compliance as required
• Coordinate with support organizations in the execution and planning of a developmental test program
• Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives

The selected candidate must be willing to work various shifts depending on business needs: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st or 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift or 2nd shift. The selected candidate must also support extended hours, shift rotations, weekends, and holidays as needed, and travel domestically to support testing operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of technical/military experience, OR Associate of Science degree plus 4 years of related technical/military experience, OR High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D) plus 6 years of combined technical experience
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and proven ability to interact with employees and management at all levels
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher
• Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance
• Active Special Program Access (SAP)
• Experience as a Test Engineer or Test Conductor that includes test development, planning, and execution
• Experience in a production test or military aircraft maintenance environment
• Experience leading test teams on an operational flight line
• Capability to comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions
• Proven ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and bring differing perspectives into sound engineering decisions

We offer exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, strong learning opportunities, and a collaborative team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help grow our capabilities and improve our flight test operations.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the 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 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
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Schedule

• 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st or 2nd shift
• 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift or 2nd shift
• Extended hours, shift rotations, weekends, and holidays as needed