Staff Engineer Systems and Flight Test-Part Time
Quick Summary
Developing and maintaining flight test support materials and mission flight test profiles Developing and publishing test plans, flight test cards,
Must have a Bachelor's of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology,
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Part Time Staff System Test Engineer (STE)/ Flight Test Engineer (FTE), within the RQ-4 Advanced Development Mission Solutions (ADMS) Test Integrated Product Team (IPT). The ideal candidate should be detail oriented, has the ability to focus on first time quality, engineering rigor, and safe and effective testing. This Part Time position will be on site and located in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
This part-time Flight Test Engineer lead and support test and integration activities for unmanned aircraft systems, including developing test plans and procedures, flight test profiles, and post-test reports, as well as coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe and effective ground and flight test execution. The selected candidate will construct, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment; develop and execute system-level test procedures; and present test integration and execution results and in-depth briefing packages at key test readiness and review boards (SRB, FRR, FTRR). The role requires the ability to work independently across multiple test programs, with flexibility for weekends, multiple shifts, off-hours support, and up to 20% travel.
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Developing and maintaining flight test support materials and mission flight test profiles
- →Developing and publishing test plans, flight test cards, test schedules and test procedures for unmanned aircraft system testing
- →Leading test readiness reviews
- →Developing and publishing test reports post ground and flight test events
- →Coordinating with other organizations to ensure safe and effective execution of ground and flight test activities
- →Construct, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems.
- →Work from engineering drawings and written or verbal instructions
- →Develop and execute System level test procedures
- →Operate related equipment; conduct tests and report data in prescribed format.
- →Perform calibration and alignment checks; make adjustments, modifications, and replacements as directed.
- →Interface and present test integration and test execution results to program and test leadership at Pre and Post Test Reviews
- →Work independently on assigned tasks to meet deadlines on one or more test programs
- →Prepare for and present in-depth briefing packages for test readiness reviews, including: Safety Review Boards (SRB), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and Flight Test Readiness Reviews (FTRRs).
- →Flexibility to support weekends, multiple shifts, and off hours on site will be required.
- →Willingness to travel up to 20% in support of ground and flight test events.
- →This is a part-time position, targeting 30 hour work weeks.
Requirements
~1 min read- Must have a Bachelor's of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline with 12 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 10 years of related engineering experience, OR a PhD in STEM with 8 years of related engineering experience
- Must have ground and flight test experience with including experimental flight testing.
- Must have performed as a Test Conductor leading a mission control room team.
- Must have flight test experience with unmanned helicopter long-line flight test operations.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance and any related potential program accesses as needed by the business to meet its needs.
- Active Secret Clearance or higher.
- Graduate of a military or civilian test pilot school.
- 5 years testing the Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff & Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) including experimental flight testing under FAA Special Airworthiness Certificates (SAC) and FAA Certificates of Authorization & Waivers (COA).
- Experience preparing for and presenting in-depth briefing packages for test readiness reviews, including: Safety Review Boards (SRB), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and Flight Test Readiness Reviews (FTRRs).
- MQ8/RQ8 or related flight test experience.
What We Offer
~2 min readAt 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: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $177,000–$265,600 a year
- 225% above the $68,006 median for Other jobs on Jobera (130,114 salaries).
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 29, 2026
- First seen
- October 29, 2026
- Last seen
- October 29, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- October 29, 2026
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