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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Palmdale, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $161,000.0 - $241,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Office, SAP (Applications), System Testing, Test Data, Test Execution Engine - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9021313/staff-systems-test-engineer-test-director ## About the Role * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 10 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience. * Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of test control and discipline engineers in Mission Control Room. * Effectively function and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments * Mission control experience * Proficiency in Microsoft Office * Ability to work odd shifts, weekends and/or overtime. * Work well in a team environment as well as independently. * Ability to adhere to rules and regulations, and willingness to help change rules and regulations as applicable., * FAA pilot rating * Military operations experience * Previous experience as aircrew member (Pilot, EWO, NAV, etc.) * Advanced Flight Test Operations and Control Room experience * Developmental Test and Operational Test operations experience. * Previous qualification as a Test Conductor/Director * Test Pilot School Graduate ## Description The System Test IPT is seeking a Staff System Test Engineer to serve as a Test Director for the Flight Test Department. The Test Director supervises the execution of test missions, with a primary focus on safety, execution efficiency, standards, and test discipline. The Test Director ensures mission preparation is completed in accordance with local procedures, oversees the scheduling of resources and assets, and coordinates with all engineering disciplines and external agencies to ensure successful test execution. The Test Director safeguards sensitive and critical test information and adheres to the relevant Security Classification Guide. The Test Director has the authority to terminate the test event if the technical validity of the test is in question or safety jeopardized. Finally, the Test Director also helps to develop and review flight test plans and safety plans., * Brief pre- and post-event meetings * Supports test readiness reviews * Provides mission control room support and makes real-time decisions regarding safety, security, effectiveness, and efficiency. * Supports simulations * Conducts and contributes to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution. * Instructs other test directors, experience permitting * Brief upper management on event outcomes and planning This position requires outstanding written and oral communications skills. Individuals must be able to work without appreciable direction to develop solutions to complex problems; must be able to work both within a team environment and independently; must be self-motivated, thorough, and detailed; and must be willing to learn additional engineering discipline areas. Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers' requirements and need. We offer flexible work arrangements, 4/10 work schedule with every 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. ## Related Videos - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: Evaluating RAG Systems with Synthetic Test Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1982-stop-guessing-start-measuring-evaluating-rag-systems-with-synthetic-test-data) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) ## Related Articles - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)