Senior Principal Flight Test Engineer- Gulfstream IV Flying Test Bed
Ngc· Defense· Aug 4, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 84 days ago
Mojave, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$129K–$194K
9+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open 84 days.
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Sector is seeking a Senior Principal Flight Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting our Flight Operations Center of Technical Excellence for Test and Evaluation. This position will be located in Mojave, CA.
Please note: A start date, for candidates selected, will be determined after obtaining Special Program Access (SAP).
We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Flight Test Engineer who focuses on first-time quality, engineering rigor, and Test Like You Fly methodology. This role is responsible for Mechanical Design Engineering, Test Planning and Execution, system-level test coordination, and execution of integrated hardware/software verification on Gulfstream IV Flight Test Bed Aircraft. Must have the ability to communicate up to leadership and team members within different engineering organizations, multiple programs and across NG sectors. Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. A successful track record of program performance and test experience is required. We are looking for a candidate who will report on-site daily supporting our Flying Test Bed aircraft.
Specific tasks include:
• Qualify as an aircrew member and fly onboard as a Flight Test Engineer; responsible for overall test conduct and safety of all crewmembers.
• Execute pre-test preparation including but not limited to mission planning, configuration management, and test resource coordination with civilian, government, and military agencies.
• Develop and publish Integrated Test Plans, detailed test plans, test schedules, and test procedures for developmental testing.
• Support and host test planning working groups.
• Interface with test article design and analysis teams to define test configuration and data requirements.
• Support test card development and review in collaboration with other engineering disciplines and test operations personnel.
• Support test readiness reviews and pre/post-test briefings.
• Conduct and contributes to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution.
• This position requires outstanding written and oral communications skills. Individual will be required to serve as a subject matter focal point between maintenance, design engineering, and test site team - contractor and customer.
• Work under only general direction to determine and develop approaches to solutions; must be able to work both within a team environment and independently; must be self-motivated, thorough, and detailed; and must be willing to learn additional engineering discipline areas.
• Overtime, odd shifts, and weekend work will occasionally be required.
• Some domestic and potential international travel is expected to support certain test campaigns.
Basic Qualifications :
• A Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree). and 9 years of related engineering, professional or military experience OR Masters Degree in STEM and 7 years of related engineering, professional or military experience
• Related experience could include but not limited to mechanical design engineering, aircraft modification, flying qualities, mission systems, etc.
• Experience with engineering design software such as NX, CATIA, CAD, etc.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 5 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable amount of time as required by the business to meet its needs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain FAA Class II/III Medical as required, and willingness to fly on board aircraft, including experimental category.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Test Conductor Qualification
• This position has travel up to 25% of the time with potential for international.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Proficient in mechanical design engineering
• Proficient in the use of CAD software (CATIA & NX)
• FAA rated pilot (private/commercial), or other experience as an airborne crewmember.
• Currently active and qualified as a Test Conductor/Director
• Current Top-Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access.
• Ability to complete mechanical design tasks in between flight campaigns
• Internationally recognized Test Pilot School graduate or completed coursework
What We Offer:
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Health Insurance
401k
Pto
Paid Time Off