Sr Principal Airborne systems Operator (MQ-4C Triton Mission Payload Operator)

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.

Our Aeronautics System Sector is looking for a well-qualified Sr Principal Airborne systems Operator (MQ-4C Triton Mission Payload Operator). This position is an individual contributor, exempt role. The role will be located in Patuxent River, MD.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct Mission System and Air Vehicle ground and flight tests, as a crewmember or non-crewmember, to support the System Specification verification process, Production Verification, and follow on testing.
• Defines plans, organizes and executes complex flight profiles and flight test events.
• Conducts briefings, debriefings, coordinates with maintenance personnel, engineers, and test directors to analyze and correct discrepancies.
• Act as engineering and data analysis liaison for Future Development Insertion for the System.
• Write technical reports for ground and flight test events. Attend Air Vehicle and Mission System Technical Interchange Meetings, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and Flight Readiness Reviews.
• Support engineering with development of test plans, procedures, and test cards.
• When designated as Test Conductor, be responsible for overall conduct of test, act as engineering and data analysis liaison for test conducted, and write technical reports for ground and flight test events.
• May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials, or other personnel to exhibit aircraft performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

Leveling Factors:

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

Complete understanding and wide application of technical principle, theories, and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines.

Problem Solving

Provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives.

Discretion/Latitude

Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Impact

Contributes to the completion of specific programs and projects. Failure to obtain results or erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in serious program delays and considerable expenditure of resources.

Liaison

Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BA with 9 years related experience; MS/MA and 7 years; OR Phd  with 4 years related experience.
• Must have experience as flight U.S. Military operations or flight test crewmember and be able to pass FAA Class III flight physical.
• Minimum of 500 hours weapon system/mission system experience including multi-function radar (SAR/ISAR/Surface search), ESM and EO/IR systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced user-level computer skills required within flight, simulator, and MS Office environments.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, weekends and holidays. 
• The ability to obtain and retain a Program Security Clearance is required as condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• STEM Degree in Aviation, Aerospace, Science field.
• Experience as a TACCO/Mission Commander in P-3 or P8 aircraft.
• Experience with technical research and the use of engineering data, electronic technical manuals, and tasking subject matter experts to lead complex projects from analysis to implementation utilizing established processes, development software, and team members desired.
• Test Pilot School graduate.

Salary Range: $129,700 USD - $194,500 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.