The Global Hawk (GH) Test team at Grand Sky, ND requires a Test Aircrew Manager 2 responsible for all facets of the Global Hawk Flight Test Engineering & Operations, including staffing, planning, execution and reporting in multiple technology areas. This leadership position is located in Emerado, ND.
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.
This position requires a highly motivated and self-starting individual with relevant test operations experience, who will be willing to support additional HALE or RQ-4/MQ-4 Series Programs as a UAV pilot and team manager.
The Test AircrewManager will orchestrate ground and flight integration and developmental testing for RQ-4 Series/Global Hawk aircraft in North Dakota. This manager must possess a strong background in flight operations to oversee integration and developmental testing of Grand Sky Global Hawk air vehicles, manages a team of non-engineers, manages the flight crew schedule, and interfaces daily with mission planning, flight test engineering, and the Site Test IPT Lead. This manager directly interfaces with the Government Flight Representative (GFR) and is the POC for required Aircraft Operating Inspections conducted by the GFR/DCMA.
Also responsible for the daily support of aircraft and ground shelter testing and managing the daily operations of Grand Sky pilots, sensor operators (SOs), flight test engineers (FTEs) and mission planners. May be required to coordinate with chase aircraft and chase pilot requirements. Will also fill the Section Manager role for all Grand Sky test pilots and SOs.
In addition, the selected candidate will be responsible for managing personnel, coordinating ground test engineering and operations, aircraft modifications for testing, frequent interaction with Engineering, and ensuring cost and schedule performance targets are met. The selected individual must provide program leadership for test site employees and provide timely resource forecasts to program management, assuring that proper staffing is in place to execute the Flight Test Statement of Work. The successful candidate will have frequent contact with internal personnel and external customer representatives at various management levels concerning operations and will be responsible for scheduling specific aircraft and test resources and resolving issues that may arise over the course of the flight test program. The manager must have excellent communication skills, experience with flight-line operational requirements, experience leading test pilot and test personnel and be capable of working in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance. The selected candidate may be required to support extended shifts, occasional weekends, and holidays as required to maintain program schedule as well as minimal travel to support specific Global Hawk programs and special tests, as required.
The selected candidate will identify all test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree and a Minimum of 9 years of relevant test experience with an emphasis on test engineering and operations OR Masters Degree and a Minimum of 7 years of relevant test experience with an emphasis on test operations
FAA commercial instrument rated pilot (or military equivalent)
RQ-4 Series qualified pilot
Current Class II FAA Physical
Minimum 500 Pilot in Command (PIC) hours and able to maintain currency
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM discipline and a Minimum of 9 years of relevant test experience with an emphasis on test engineering and operations OR Master of Science Degree in a STEM discipline and a Minimum of 7 years of relevant test experience with an emphasis on test engineering and operations
Active DoD Secret or higher clearance
Military flight experience
RQ-4 Series Instructor Pilot and Evaluator
Experience working in a CTF environment
Experience leading a flight test operations team
Military Test Pilot School (TPS) graduate highly desirable
We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive 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.
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation-- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 schedule, and a great 401K matching program.
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