Northrop Grumman

Staff Field Engineer (Flight Test)

Northrop Grumman$139K — $219K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience or Master's with 10+ years; additional experience may substitute for a degree.
  • Hands-on experience with UAS or airborne platforms in flight test/operations.
  • Proven troubleshooting ability across platform, RF, network, and payload levels using various tools.
  • Experience with DoD flight test or range testing in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 50%, including extended field assessments.
  • Active U.S. citizenship with a current Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead field and flight test support for the MUX TACAIR system from planning to analysis.
  • Integrate and troubleshoot UAS platforms and related systems.
  • Conduct on-site diagnostics and root-cause analysis for various components.
  • Support mission payload integration and verification during tests.
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures and technical instructions.
  • Generate reports detailing flight test performance and anomalies.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians in the flight test environment.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance options.
  • Savings plan with company contributions.
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business.
  • Eligibility for discretionary bonuses and potential long-term incentives.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Staff Field Engineer based out of the San Diego, CA areaor Baltimore, MD with travel to Western US test sites (travel may be up to 50% with surge periods and extended field deployments as required).

What You’ll get to Do:

As aStaff Field Engineeryoull support theMUX TACAIR program. NGMS is the prime contractor for this effort, leading a team of partners and contractors on UAS design, implementation, and mission integration. This role serves as a senior technical lead forUAS flight test and operations, covering the airborne platform, tactical radios, control/data links, ground control stations, and evolvingmission systempayloadsprimarily supplied by NGMS.

In addition, you will also get to:

  • Leadfield and flight test supportfor the MUX TACAIR system from planning through execution and post-flight analysis.

  • Integrate, configure, and troubleshoot theUAS platform, ground control station, tactical radios, and communications/data linksbetween air and ground.

  • Provide on-sitediagnostics and root-cause analysisacross platform, RF, network, and payloads; capture data and coordinate corrective actions with engineering teams.

  • Support integration and verification of mission payloadsduring lab and flight test activities.

  • Develop and maintainfield procedures, checklists, and technical work instructionsfor flight test and operations.

  • Generateflight test reports, discrepancy reports, and technical documentationto communicate performance, anomalies, and resolutions.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance tojunior field engineers, technicians, and operatorsin the flight test environment.

  • Ensure all field activities comply withsafety, spectrum, airworthiness, and security requirements.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree and12+ yearsof relevant experience; OR Masters degree with10+ yearsof relevant experience;OR an additional 4 yearss experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Hands-on experience supportingUAS or other airborne platformsin aflight test or operationalenvironment.

  • Proven ability totroubleshoot at platform, RF, network, and payload levelsusing RF and network test tools and system logs/telemetry.

  • Experience planning and supportingDoD flight test or range testingwith multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Strongtechnical documentation and communicationskills.

  • Ability and willingness totravel approximately 50%, including extended periods at field/test sites.

  • U.S. citizenship and anactive/current U.S. government Secret clearance are required, with ability to obtain/maintain program-specific clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree inEngineering(Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, Computer, RF/Communications, or related)

  • Demonstrated experience withtactical radios and/or data linkssupporting airground command, control, and telemetry.

  • Experience withUAS mission systems(flight control, navigation, ground control station software/HMI).

  • Hands-on experience withRF payloadson airborne platforms.

  • Knowledge ofRF link budgets, antennas, propagation, and spectrum managementfor tactical communications/data links.

  • Background insystem integration and test (IT)in both lab and flight test environments.

  • Demonstrated ability tolead technical teams in the fieldand interface directly with customers, test directors, and range personnel.

Primary Level Salary Range: $139,700.00 - $219,500.00

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 candidates 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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