Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman

Senior Test Pilot at Northrop Grumman leading flight test missions for E-2D production acceptance. Collaborating with engineering and safety teams to ensure mission success and safety.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeSaint Augustine • Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $185,000 - $277,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in air vehicle testing, including developing acceptance procedures, leading flight missions, and mentoring pilots. Holds relevant STEM qualifications and certifications, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor Of Science Degree In STEME-2D Pilot NATOPS Qualification2,000 Hours Total Flight TimeFAA Commercial Pilot CertificateActive US Government Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Air Vehicle Acceptance ProceduresTest Plans DevelopmentFlight Test Missions ExecutionPilot Daily Reports AuthoringSafety And Efficiency Improvements

Soft Skills

Team CoordinationMentoringCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

FAA Class II PhysicalFAA Radio Operators Permit

Industry Keywords

Military ExperienceContinuous EvaluationSpecial Access Program ClearanceNATOPS Training Materials ManagementFlight Test Engineering

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain air vehicle acceptance procedures to include technical justification
Provide oversight for development of test plans / test cards to ensure safety and efficiency
Lead pre-flight briefs to efficiently coordinate complex air vehicle testing with large team of aircrew and engineers.
Lead post-flight debriefs to collect relevant test data and ensure lessons learned are captured for future testing
Execute missions as pilot in command during flight test missions
Coordinate group training events to encourage continued learning within the test team
Mentor Pilots and Flight Test Engineers
Incorporate “lessons learned” and process improvements to maintain / improve safety and efficiency within the team
Author pilot daily reports highlighting details of test missions
Manage NATOPS and aircrew training materials changes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience
Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) 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
Must have current or former E-2D pilot NATOPS Qualification.
Must have at least 2,000 hours total time and 1,000 hours experience in E-2 or C-2.
Must be able to pass FAA Class II physical as a condition of employment.
Must have FAA commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument rating
Must have FAA Radio Operators permit
Must be willing and able to deploy on an extended domestic assignment for 12 months to the NG Melbourne, FL campus.
Must be willing and able to support travel up to 50% to include extended trips both domestic and international
Must be willing and able to support varying shifts, overtime, and holidays as needed to support business objectives
Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer’s contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.
Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer’s contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business