Staff Field Engineer (Flight Test)

This Staff Field Engineer role supports the MUX TACAIR program, serving as a senior technical lead for UAS flight test and operations. The engineer will lead field and flight test support from planning through execution and post-flight analysis, integrating and troubleshooting the UAS platform, ground control station, tactical radios, and communications/data links. Responsibilities include on-site diagnostics, root-cause analysis, mission payload integration, and developing field procedures and technical documentation. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and ensuring compliance with safety, spectrum, airworthiness, and security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead field and flight test support for the MUX TACAIR system from planning through execution and post-flight analysis.
• Integrate, configure, and troubleshoot the UAS platform, ground control station, tactical radios, and communications/data links between air and ground.
• Provide on-site diagnostics and root-cause analysis across platform, RF, network, and payloads; capture data and coordinate corrective actions with engineering teams.
• Support integration and verification of mission payloads during lab and flight test activities.
• Develop and maintain field procedures, checklists, and technical work instructions for flight test and operations.
• Generate flight test reports, discrepancy reports, and technical documentation to communicate performance, anomalies, and resolutions.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior field engineers, technicians, and operators in the flight test environment.
• Ensure all field activities comply with safety, spectrum, airworthiness, and security requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; OR an additional 4 years’ experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Hands-on experience supporting UAS or other airborne platforms in a flight test or operational environment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot at platform, RF, network, and payload levels using RF and network test tools and system logs/telemetry.
• Experience planning and supporting DoD flight test or range testing with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50%, including extended periods at field/test sites.
• U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret clearance are required, with ability to obtain program-specific clearances.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, Computer, RF/Communications, or related)
• Demonstrated experience with tactical radios and/or data links supporting air–ground command, control, and telemetry.
• Experience with UAS mission systems (flight control, navigation, ground control station software/HMI).
• Hands-on experience with RF payloads on airborne platforms.
• Knowledge of RF link budgets, antennas, propagation, and spectrum management for tactical communications/data links.
• Background in system integration and test (I&T) in both lab and flight test environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams in the field and interface directly with customers, test directors, and range personnel.

Benefits

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• Primary Level Salary Range: $139,700.00 - $209,500.00The 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.