About Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
At Northrop Grumman, employees are presented with unparalleled opportunities to contribute to revolutionary systems that profoundly impact lives globally and for future generations. The company's pioneering and inventive spirit has consistently placed it at the forefront of significant technological advancements throughout national history, from the first transatlantic flight to stealth bombers and lunar landings. Northrop Grumman actively seeks individuals with bold new ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to collaborate in inventing the future. The company culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and an insatiable drive to achieve what others deem impossible. Employees are not just part of history; they are actively making history.
Job Description
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Principal Test Pilot to join its esteemed Test & Evaluation organization. This pivotal role is based in Melbourne, Florida, and requires a candidate capable of supporting up to 25% travel to other U.S. locations, including Palmdale, California, and Edwards Air Force Base, California. The selected individual will be instrumental in the development and evaluation of advanced aerospace systems, ensuring their performance, safety, and mission effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as a technical writer for the development of operational documentation for assigned programs.
- Acquires and maintains a comprehensive understanding of asset hardware and software integration, including changes and updates, for effective briefing to stakeholders.
- Conducts thorough pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings, coordinating closely with maintenance personnel to analyze and rectify vehicle discrepancies.
- Performs demonstration flights for customers, government officials, or other authorized personnel to showcase vehicle performance, flying qualities, and system capabilities as required.
- Travels to various test or customer sites as necessary to support program objectives.
- Successfully completes Gulfstream V (GV) training and qualification as a prerequisite for continued employment in this role.
Benefits and Work Environment
Northrop Grumman offers a supportive and dynamic work environment, featuring a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, providing an excellent work-life balance. Employees benefit from phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a highly collaborative team atmosphere. The company values self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented individuals dedicated to enhancing services and achieving excellence. Comprehensive benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. Depending on the position, employees may also be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director roles.
Basic Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of related professional or military experience, including a background in aerospace test activities; OR a Master's degree and a minimum of 6 years of related professional or military experience, including a background in aerospace test activities.
- Demonstrated experience as a flight operations crew member.
- Possession of a Commercial Instrument Rated Pilot certificate (FAA or military equivalent), with a current FAA Class II Medical certificate or higher.
- A minimum of 1500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command.
- Ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain a final adjudicated government Secret Clearance (DoD clearance must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable company-determined timeframe.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current or previous Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) type rating for Gulfstream V aircraft.
- Graduation from a recognized Test Pilot School.
- Extensive military flight experience.
- Proven flight test experience.
- Possession of a DoD Secret Clearance or higher.
Compensation
The primary level salary range for this position is estimated at $143,600.00 – $215,400.00. Northrop Grumman considers various factors when determining base salary offers, including the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. The application period for this role is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date, subject to adjustment based on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.