... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87.60 - $131.40/hr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87.60 - $131.40/hr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product ...
Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems)
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87.60 - $131.40/hr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Manufacturing Test Engineer, RF Systems (Engineer Electronics) Location: Rolling Meadows, IL This ...
Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems)
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87.60 - $131.40/hr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... Manufacturing Test Engineer, RF Systems (Engineer Electronics) Location: Rolling Meadows, IL This ...
1602: Integration and Test 2
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$104K - $140K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an Integration & Test Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing ...
Quick apply
1602: Integration and Test 2
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$104K - $140K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an Integration & Test Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing ...
1602: Integration and Test 2
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$104K - $140K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an Integration & Test Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing ...
1602: Integration and Test 2
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$104K - $140K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... As an Integration & Test Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager, Manufacturing Test Software Engineering ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager, Manufacturing Test Software Engineering ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager, Manufacturing Test Software Engineering ...
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager, Manufacturing Test Software Engineering ...
2026 Associate Embedded Software Engineer/ Embedded Software Engineer (Manufacturing) - Rolling Mead
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87K - $131K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... S. and its global allies. Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you ...
2026 Associate Embedded Software Engineer/ Embedded Software Engineer (Manufacturing) - Rolling Mead
Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site
$87K - $131K/yr
... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... S. and its global allies. Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you ...
Entry Level Automation Engineer
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$83K - $95K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience). We have an exceptional ... Develop automated test systems for a variety of industries and applications, including, EV battery ...
Quick apply
Entry Level Automation Engineer
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$83K - $95K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience). We have an exceptional ... Develop automated test systems for a variety of industries and applications, including, EV battery ...
Job Summary Langan is seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join its collaborative team in ... Effectively use reports, maps, drawings, engineering plans, test and aerial photographs to assess ...
Job Summary Langan is seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join its collaborative team in ... Effectively use reports, maps, drawings, engineering plans, test and aerial photographs to assess ...
Entry Level Automation Engineer (2027)
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$87K - $97K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience) looking for a position in 2027 ... Design and develop automated test systems using LabVIEW, TestStand, C#, and Python for a variety of ...
Quick apply
Entry Level Automation Engineer (2027)
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$87K - $97K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience) looking for a position in 2027 ... Design and develop automated test systems using LabVIEW, TestStand, C#, and Python for a variety of ...
Entry Level Automation Travel Engineer
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$89K - $101K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience). We have an exceptional ... Develop automated test systems for a variety of industries and applications, including, EV battery ...
Quick apply
Entry Level Automation Travel Engineer
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$89K - $101K/yr
This role is for any entry level engineer (0-3 years of experience). We have an exceptional ... Develop automated test systems for a variety of industries and applications, including, EV battery ...
Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$44.8K - $59.8K
2% of jobs
$59.8K - $74.9K
1% of jobs
$74.9K - $89.9K
4% of jobs
$89.9K - $104.9K
15% of jobs
$108.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$104.9K - $120K
13% of jobs
$120K - $135K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $140.6K / yr.
$135K - $150K
13% of jobs
$162.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$150K - $165.1K
21% of jobs
$165.1K - $180.1K
17% of jobs
$180.1K - $195.1K
3% of jobs
$195.1K - $210.2K
1% of jobs
$44.8K
$139K
$210.2K
How much do entry level flight test engineer jobs pay per year?
What does an entry level flight test engineer do?
An Entry Level Flight Test Engineer supports the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for aircraft and aerospace systems. They assist in developing test plans, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. This role involves working closely with senior engineers, pilots, and technicians to validate aircraft functionality and system performance. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of aerodynamics and avionics are essential.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level flight test engineer?
To thrive as an Entry Level Flight Test Engineer, you need a background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, a solid understanding of aerodynamics and data analysis, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, control theory, flight simulation software, and sometimes certification in FAA or military testing protocols are important technical aspects. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These abilities ensure safe, accurate testing and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, which are crucial for developing and validating aircraft performance.
What types of projects or aircraft could I expect to work on as an entry level flight test engineer?
As an Entry Level Flight Test Engineer, you may work on a variety of flight test campaigns, ranging from testing new aircraft prototypes to evaluating modifications on existing platforms, such as fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Early in your career, your responsibilities may include supporting instrumentation setup, assisting in mission planning, and collecting and analyzing test data under the guidance of senior engineers. You’ll likely rotate through different project teams, gaining exposure to various flight systems, test protocols, and data analysis techniques. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the full aircraft development and certification process while supporting your professional growth in the aerospace field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?
For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?
The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Full-time
Medical, Life, PTO
Re-posted 7 days ago
Northrop Grumman rating
8.2
Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
87th of 544 rated manufacturers
Job description
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
Job Description
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 Electronics Engineer - Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) based out of Rolling Meadows, IL.
Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Partnering with production, successful test engineers lead troubleshooting and ensure excellence. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
This position will support test station hardware efforts associated with testing Radio Frequency (RF) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
- The Manufacturing Test Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
- We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:
a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership
b) Acts with Speed
c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience
d) Leads with Courage
e) Sets vision for the assigned products
f) Builds a High Performing Team
This individual will be responsible for all aspects of test development from requirements capture through final validation and release. A successful person in this role will be very effective at leading collaboration with the product Design Engineer, the Test Hardware Engineer, the Quality Assurance Engineer and the Manufacturing Technician. This position would include providing needed efforts to set up and support the acceptance testing of the Shop Replaceable Units, as well as acceptance testing and environmental screening at the payload (Line Replaceable Unit) level. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.
What you will get to do:
- Support to Production: Coordinate with Design Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to test and provide solutions to support nonconformance systems for contractual acceptance testing and environmental screening commitments.
- Test station design - debug & integration/validation: Investigate, design, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements.
- Test procedure development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures.
- Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects.
- Testability reviews: Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.
- Test station/fixture development: Design and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing fixture and stations for functional and environmental testing. This includes test station concepts (Schematics, block diagram, simulations, test requirement creation)
- Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors.
Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential.
Basic Qualifications for the Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields with 0 or more years of experience.
- Experience with troubleshooting of hardware, and test issues
- Experience with schematic generation such as Cadence.
- Experience completing hardware projects involving hardware design / development activities and/or integration and validation activities on schedule and on budget.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
- US Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Python and MATLAB experience.
- Experience with programming languages such as C#, C, Java or Lab Windows CVI
- Experience with schematic generation such as Cadence.
- Prior hardware troubleshooting experience of test equipment or prime hardware.
- Experience in troubleshooting unit under test.
- Experience with RF Electronic systems in manufacturing or design (hardware, firmware, etc.) environment.
- Experience working with use of any test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Spectrum Analyzer, Network Analyzer, etc.
- Experience with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.
- Experience using GitHub.
- Active DoD Security Clearance.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
What Northrop Grumman employees say
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About Northrop Grumman
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
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.
Industry
Space research administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Falls Church, VA, US
Year founded
1939