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Test Engineering Manager 2 (Flight Test)

Edwards AFB, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

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 - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Aeronautics Engineering organization is seeking a highly qualified Test Engineering Manager 2 to lead the Flight Test Engineering Survivability team at Edwards AFB, CA. This engineering manager is expected to provide technical oversight and functional support as a section manager for a team of 10-15 survivability flight test engineers of all grade levels as well as provide programmatic leadership to this team throughout the flight test campaign.

The Test Engineering Manager will work with a variety of test disciplines in a Combine Test Force (CTF) environment at Edwards AFB, and with several Integrated Product Teams to complete task related to testing of low observable (LO) and electronic warfare systems (EWS).

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Provide people and discipline leadership to a team of 10-15 flight test engineers ensuring talent is staffed and trained to meet program delivery and employee growth.
  • Apply survivability and test technical expertise to lead their team to perform, solve complex issues, and knock down obstacles to allow their team to execute efficiently and effectively.
  • Work collaboratively in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to determine and communicate test requirements, testing methods, equipment / measurement selection, test setup, and pre/post testing reporting.
  • Communicate test risks, issues, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders

The candidate should have a genuine desire to lead and value people. They must possess the “soft skills" necessary for personnel leadership and be ready and willing to continue refining and learning these skills. Team development and coaching is key to being a successful manager at Northrop Grumman.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering, OR 7 a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering
  • Must have experience in a systems test environment
  • Must have an Active U.S. Government Secret clearance with full investigation within the last 6 years
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • Willingness to work overtime, odd‑hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills; experience presenting technical briefings to senior leadership, contractors, and customers.
  • Direct test experience in flight testing of survivability capabilities, weapon systems, and/or mission systems of military aircraft
  • Demonstrated understanding of LO concepts: radar cross section (RCS) reduction, signature management, and material coatings.
  • Familiarity with electronic warfare fundamentals: electronic support, electronic attack, and electronic protection.
  • Prior experience working in classified environments and implementing Safety Management System (SMS) processes for flight test operations.
  • Familiarity with USAF 412th Test Wing processes.

Primary Level Salary Range: $146,600.00 - $219,800.00

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. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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