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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director of Flight Test I - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $203,900.0 - $305,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Business Analytics Applications, Systems Engineering, Data Integration, Data Driven Tests, SAP (Applications), Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Data Analytics, Real Time Data - **Published:** August 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/329CEF2AAD3945C9B76CAE44B6E4EEEA/job/ ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM-related discipline with 15+ years of experience, or 13+ years with a master's degree, or 10+ years with a Ph.D. * Extensive experience leading the planning, execution, and analysis of flight test operations for complex aerospace systems. * Proficiency in flight test processes, safety protocols, range coordination requirements, instrumentation, telemetry, and performance analysis. * Demonstrated capability to balance and achieve Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) while adhering to cost and schedule constraints. * Exceptional technical leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional organizations. * + Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). **Preferred Qualifications** * Advanced degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related STEM discipline. * Specialized experience in flight testing air-launched weapon systems or missile systems. * Strong technical foundation in flight test planning, execution, real-time data acquisition, post-mission analysis, and risk management. * Expertise in advanced telemetry systems, sensors, guidance platforms, and data integration tools. * Familiarity with digital engineering workflows and data-driven decision processes in testing environments. * Prior engagement in planning and coordinating test activities across geographically distributed teams, stakeholders, and flight test ranges. * Proven ability to deliver innovative test solutions to enhance schedule adherence, technical quality, and performance assurance. * The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, if required. ## Description Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking an accomplished and innovative Director of Flight Test to join our Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA . This leadership role is integral to advancing the flight test and operational execution of our Advanced Weapons family of missiles, which are critical to achieving mission success for global defense systems., As the Director of Flight Test , you will have responsibility for overseeing the successful execution of end-to-end flight test operations, focusing on rigorous test planning, seamless integration, and data-driven analysis to validate the performance and reliability of advanced missile systems. Your impact will ensure the delivery of high-quality performance and results to meet the critical needs of U.S. and allied defense forces. * Orchestrate Flight Test Campaigns : Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test activities to validate missile performance and operational capabilities under representative mission conditions. * Ensure Event Readiness : Implement thorough planning, scheduling, and risk management practices to ensure readiness for all flight test milestones, minimizing delays and optimizing resource utilization. * Collaborate for Excellence : Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Systems Engineering, Verification & Validation, Software Integration, Test & Evaluation) to support system integration and verification strategies. * Utilize Advanced Test Methodologies : Integrate robust and cutting-edge data collection, telemetry systems, and analytical tools to continuously improve test fidelity, efficiency, and overall mission assurance. * Oversee Range and Safety Compliance : Work closely with system safety and test range personnel to ensure compliance with range safety policies, procedures, and regulations while representing program objectives. * Drive Quality and Performance : Champion excellence by adhering to stringent engineering and safety standards to support flight test success and reliable missile system performance. * Support Decision Boards : Participate in and provide technical expertise to key decision forums, such as Test Readiness Reviews, Program Management Reviews, and other engineering boards, to ensure alignment with business unit goals. * Optimize Flight Test Resources : Partner with the Director of System Verification & Validation to drive innovation to achieve efficient and effective resource allocation, advancing flight test operations while meeting cost, schedule, and performance benchmarks. ## Related Videos - [Python-Based Data Streaming Pipelines Within Minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1233-python-based-data-streaming-pipelines-within-minutes) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [APIs and Architecture for scaling omnichannel payments](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/90-apis-and-architecture-for-scaling-omnichannel-payments) - [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) - [OLTP in the Lakehouse: Redefining Data for AI Workloads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2038-oltp-in-the-lakehouse-redefining-data-for-ai-workloads) - [Data Analytics with Microsoft Fabric: End-to-End Use Case with Data Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1547-data-analytics-with-microsoft-fabric-end-to-end-use-case-with-data-agents) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [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) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [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)