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Full Time Phd Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will ... Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline.

Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will ... Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline.

Systems Safety Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$131K - $195K/yr

Contract (Full Time) * Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance ... Aerospace / Defense / Aviation * Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna) * Perks: Bonus ...

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will ... Master's or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering or other aerospace related ...

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will ... Master's or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering or other aerospace related ...

Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion ... A PhD in Engineering and 5 years of applicable experience, including 2 years of project experience ...

Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion ... A PhD in Engineering and 5 years of applicable experience, including 2 years of project experience ...

Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls

OR · On-site +1

$200K - $265K/yr

... some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety ... MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering and/or Controls * Experience developing never-before-flown control ...

$200K - $265K/yr

... some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety ... MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering and/or Controls * Experience developing never-before-flown control ...

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Phd Aviation information

See salary details

$67K

$88.7K

$97.5K

How much do full time phd aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time phd aviation in the United States is $88,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Phd Aviation vs Full Time Commercial Pilot?

AspectFull Time Phd AviationFull Time Commercial Pilot
Required CredentialsPhD in Aviation or related field, research experienceCommercial Pilot License (CPL), flight hours, medical certification
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, universitiesAirlines, charter companies, cargo carriers
Industry UsageResearch, academia, aviation developmentPassenger and cargo transportation

Full Time Phd Aviation focuses on research, teaching, and advancing aviation knowledge within academic or research settings, requiring advanced degrees. In contrast, Full Time Commercial Pilot involves operating aircraft for transportation services, requiring pilot certifications and flight experience. Both roles are integral to the aviation industry but serve different career paths and work environments.

More about Full Time Phd Aviation jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Phd Aviation jobs?

The most popular types of Phd Aviation jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Phd Aviation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Phd Aviation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Full Time Phd Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,722 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer -18556*

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
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.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking to hire a Principal Systems Test Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer. This position will be located in Colorado Springs, CO supporting the Sentinel program.
This supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and system modifications for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Ground and Airborne Launch Control Systems, Launch Facilities and associated infrastructure.
This will be a blended role between the Command System (CS) Launch, Guidance and Control (LGC) Embedded Test Team, and the CS Lab Operations Team. Test engineer responsibilities will include, development of unit-level hardware test procedures, collaboration with Systems Engineer (SE) for requirement text development as well as support for higher level test activities. Lab operations responsibilities will include leading coordination for lab integration activities with various Product Teams, leading efforts for stand-up / enforcement of lab operations policies (CM, Lab Access, Lab Scheduling, etc.) This role will require the ability to coordinate with Product Teams on technical content while also maintaining a high level of communication with the various lab stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications:
  • T04 Principal Systems Test Engineer: 5 Years with bachelor's in science; 3 Years with Masters; 0 Years with PhD. Or 8 years of equivalent experience in the area of aeronautical aviation test and/or evaluation/hardware support.
  • T04 Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer: 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD of equivalent experience in the area of aeronautical aviation test and/or evaluation/hardware support.

For both levels:
  • Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • Experience working in a Modeled Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment using software such as DOORS, CAMEO.
  • Demonstrated experience of system integration (HW and SW) and test principles.
  • Experience with development of test plans, procedures, and reports (functional testing and checkout).
  • Experience working with the Atlassian Suite of tools (Confluence, Jira).
  • Experience with data collection/instrumentation and lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, multimeters, o-scopes).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active TS clearance or higher (awarded within the past 6 years) with the ability to receive a Special Access Program (SAP) certification.
  • Current CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Working knowledge of system integration (HW and SW) and test principles.
  • Experience defining test objectives based on test requirements.
  • Experience with data collection/instrumentation methods.
  • Experience in troubleshooting anomalous hardware and software.
  • Experience with development of test plans, procedures, and reports (functional testing and checkout).
  • Experience working with the Atlassian Suite of tools (Confluence, Jira)
  • Experience in design, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting of test cables, test sets and support equipment.
  • Experience with data collection/instrumentation and lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, multimeters, o-scopes)
  • Experience with NI PXI equipment and LabView, TestStand
  • Experience test objectives based on test requirements.
  • Experience with data collection/instrumentation methods.
  • Experience in troubleshooting anomalous hardware and software.
  • Experience in design, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting of test cables, test sets and support equipment.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
#Sentinelintandtest
Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00
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.

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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