Principal Flight Test Engineer - Mission Planner

The selected candidate will synthesize customer contractual needs and requirements into system test solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints. Tasking will include developmental flight test mission planning, ground/flight testing, fielding, and possible Programmed Depot Maintenance missions for multiple platforms as required using Laboratory Mission Data Systems (LMDS), Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) and Portable Flight Planning System (PFPS) mission planning software. The selected candidate will ensure that specific requirements of all flight test missions are coordinated with responsible engineers and aircrew members to provide accurate mission planning data. They will build flight mission cartridge and produce all required mission support documents, such as flight plans, charts, and weapons data along with maintaining currency of LMDS, JMPS and PFPS software and associated hardware.
Essential Job Duties:

Provide pre/post mission support planning and documentation, training plans for mission planning, supporting formal meetings to support appropriate decisions regarding safety, efficiency, and effectiveness
Review and evaluate test requirements to ensure completeness/feasibility and adequacy of test program.
Provide laboratory support for integration testing
Interface with test article/software design and analysis teams to define test configuration and data requirements
Support test card development and review in collaboration with various engineering disciplines and test operations personnel
Support test readiness reviews, and pre/post-test briefings
Support test planning working groups as needed
Conduct and contribute to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution. Maintains metrics on status of testing and constraints
Must be willing to work extended shifts and odd hours to support flight test execution objectives.
Additional Job Responsibilities:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant industry mission planning software
Ability to brief test results/issues to executive leadership.
This position requires outstanding written and oral communications skills. The selected candidate will be required to serve as either a principal subject matter focal point between maintenance, design engineering, and the test team - contractor and customer. They must be able to work under general direction to determine and develop approaches to solutions, can work both within a team environment and independently, self-motivated, thorough, and detailed, and be willing to learn additional test discipline areas.
The standard shift for this position is on the 4/10 schedule. Shift adjustments may be required with advanced notification.
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
A minimum of 5 years experience or 3 years with a Masters in STEM that includes military/professional experience with a background in Navigator/Mission Planner/support to flying operations, flight test, and/or flight training
Demonstrated experience with mission planning, execution, and debriefing
Requires ability to work any shift
Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into continuous evaluation)
Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience as a US Air Force Pilot/Navigator/Mission Planner, US Navy or USMC Naval Flight Officer (NFO), or equivalent (Intelligence support to flight operations considered).
Experience with mission planning tools (i.e., JMPS, PFPS, AFMSS)
Experience with mission planning development/testing during a new aircraft developmental test program.
Experience with Proprietary mission planning tools exclusive to the test articles
Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance
Familiarity with SCI and SAP security procedures
Masters degree in a STEM discipline
* Relevant FAA rating(s)
Salary Range: $100,300.00 - $150,500.00The 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.