Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Lead (Staff Engineer Aeronautical) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Lead (Staff Engineer Aeronautical) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
Principal Engineer Data
Melbourne, FL · On-site
Join our high-impact Instrumentation & Data team to build the backbone of our data collection architectures across Flight, Lab, Ground, and Specialty Test articles. As a Data Engineer supporting the ...
Principal Engineer Data
Melbourne, FL · On-site
Join our high-impact Instrumentation & Data team to build the backbone of our data collection architectures across Flight, Lab, Ground, and Specialty Test articles. As a Data Engineer supporting the ...
Join our high-impact Instrumentation & Data team to build the backbone of our data collection architectures across Flight, Lab, Ground, and Specialty Test articles. As a Data Engineer supporting the ...
Join our high-impact Instrumentation & Data team to build the backbone of our data collection architectures across Flight, Lab, Ground, and Specialty Test articles. As a Data Engineer supporting the ...
Performs duties onboard test aircraft during ground operations: pre-flight/pre-ground event instrumentation setup; interfacing with aircrew and test engineers during aircraft ground tests and ...
Performs duties onboard test aircraft during ground operations: pre-flight/pre-ground event instrumentation setup; interfacing with aircrew and test engineers during aircraft ground tests and ...
Performs duties onboard test aircraft during ground operations: pre-flight/pre-ground event instrumentation setup; interfacing with aircrew and test engineers during aircraft ground tests and ...
Performs duties onboard test aircraft during ground operations: pre-flight/pre-ground event instrumentation setup; interfacing with aircrew and test engineers during aircraft ground tests and ...
F-16 Test Engineer
Eglin, FL · On-site
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
F-16 Test Engineer
Eglin, FL · On-site
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 199
Eglin Air Force Base, FL · On-site
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
Quick apply
Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 199
Eglin Air Force Base, FL · On-site
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer
Eglin, FL · On-site
$51 - $67.25/hr
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer Company: The Boeing Company At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you ...
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer
Eglin, FL · On-site
$51 - $67.25/hr
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer Company: The Boeing Company At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you ...
Unmanned Traffic Management FSR
Tampa, FL · On-site
... in flight test engineering, UAS testing, or aerospace system validation * Experience with telemetry systems and flight test instrumentation * Strong experience with data analysis, data correlation ...
Unmanned Traffic Management FSR
Tampa, FL · On-site
... in flight test engineering, UAS testing, or aerospace system validation * Experience with telemetry systems and flight test instrumentation * Strong experience with data analysis, data correlation ...
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer
$51 - $67.25/hr
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer Company: The Boeing Company At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you ...
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer
$51 - $67.25/hr
Entry-Level F-15 Flight Test Data Engineer Company: The Boeing Company At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you ...
Sr. Structural Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Quick apply
Sr. Structural Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Sr. Structural Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Sr. Structural Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
$95K - $129K/yr
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 1 with Security Clearance
Eglin Air Force Base, FL · On-site
$100.90K - $131.10K/yr
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 1 with Security Clearance
Eglin Air Force Base, FL · On-site
$100.90K - $131.10K/yr
... test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range ... flight test. * Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter ...
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Quick apply
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer information
See Florida salary details
$32.5K - $43.4K
2% of jobs
$43.4K - $54.3K
1% of jobs
$54.3K - $65.2K
4% of jobs
$65.2K - $76.1K
15% of jobs
$78.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$76.1K - $87K
13% of jobs
$87K - $97.9K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $102K / yr.
$97.9K - $108.8K
13% of jobs
$117.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$108.8K - $119.7K
21% of jobs
$119.7K - $130.6K
17% of jobs
$130.6K - $141.5K
3% of jobs
$141.5K - $152.4K
1% of jobs
$32.5K
$100.8K
$152.4K
How much do flight test instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?
How does a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a test campaign?
What does a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer do?
What is the difference between Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?
| Aspect | Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer | Flight Test Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Designing, installing, and maintaining instrumentation systems for flight testing | Planning, executing, and analyzing flight test programs |
| Required Skills | Instrumentation systems, data acquisition, troubleshooting | Test planning, flight operations, data analysis |
| Work Environment | Laboratories, aircraft, test ranges | Flight test aircraft, test facilities |
| Certifications | Often requires engineering degrees, instrumentation certifications | Engineering degrees, pilot licenses sometimes preferred |
While both roles support flight testing, the Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer specializes in instrumentation systems and data collection, whereas the Flight Test Engineer oversees the overall test process and flight operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Full-time
Medical, Life, PTO
Posted 12 days ago
Northrop Grumman rating
8.1
Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
102nd of 512 rated manufacturers
Job description
Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Lead (Staff Engineer Aeronautical) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
**This is an individual contributor role and will not have direct reports**
In this role, the successful candidate will develop Mission Systems and Air Vehicle Flight Test strategies. The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels of the program.
This position will provide technical leadership to engineering section managers and their team of multi-disciplined engineers who will plan and execute a first flight event and the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development ground and flight test program that will follow. Engineering disciplines include, but are not limited to, flight dynamics, handling qualities, aircraft subsystems, vehicle management systems, avionics, navigation, weapons, low observables, and threat system testing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops and publishes detailed test plans, test schedules, and test procedures for developmental testing.
- Plan, develop, and perform flight tests to verify air worthiness, performance capabilities, and mission effectiveness using various simulators, surrogate aircraft, test-bed aircraft, and the program air vehicle.
- Provides laboratory support for integration testing.
- Supports and hosts test planning working groups.
- Interfaces with test article design and analysis teams to define test configuration and data requirements.
- Reviews and evaluates test requirements to ensure completeness of test program.
- Performs technical analysis of complete systems and prepares comprehensive system level evaluations.
- Supports test card development and review in collaboration with other engineering disciplines and test operations personnel.
- Supports test readiness reviews, and pre/post-test briefings.
- Provides mission control room support and makes real-time decisions regarding safety, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Develop initial test conductor training and establishment of control room monitoring training requirements
- Conducts and contributes to pre-flight and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution.
- Maintains metrics on status of testing and constraints.
Competitive candidates will possess an extensive aviation engineering and flight test background with strong technical and leadership skills. This position requires strong communication skills to support extensive executive-level interaction. Role will collaborate with government and contractor leaders to develop and execute test-planning schedules and drive an integrated team approach to problem solving. A thorough understanding of flight test safety planning, test operations, and test reporting is essential. These leaders will be responsible for developing resource forecasts and achieving cost and schedule performance goals. This position will be located at Melbourne test facilities with an expectation of up to 25% travel to Government test facilities. Candidates must be willing to work extended shifts, weekends and holidays as required to meet program schedule and objectives.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience
- Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
- Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final U.S. adjudicated government Top Secret clearance
- Must have experience in flight test and aircraft operations
- Must have thorough knowledge of flight test planning, safety planning, test operations, and test reporting
- Must have leadership experience on a DoD acquisition or test program
- Must strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions
- Must be willing and able to work extended shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by the company to meet program schedule and objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 10 years of flight test and aircraft operations experience
- Hands-on leadership experience on a recent DoD acquisition or test program (within last 10 years)
- Active Top Secret clearance
- Master's Degree in an Engineering discipline
- Experience in a US DoD Combined Test Force
- Significant experience in a DoD developmental/operational flight test environment
- Excellent leadership, motivational, and communications skills
- Formal Flight Test training such as completion of a recognized test pilot school
- Air Vehicle and Mission Systems flight test experience
- Experience on tactical aircraft
- Experience with carrier suitability
#AS-FA3
Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The 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.What Northrop Grumman employees say
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About Northrop Grumman
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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