Staff Field Engineer – Flight Test

Northrop Grumman

. Support the MUX TACAIR program as a senior technical lead for UAS flight test and operations .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesLead💰 $139,700 - $219,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in UAS flight test operations, including troubleshooting and integration of airborne platforms, while ensuring compliance with safety and security requirements. Proven ability to lead technical teams and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic field environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

UAS Flight Test SupportTechnical DocumentationRF TroubleshootingDoD Flight Test PlanningActive U.S. Government Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

UAS IntegrationFlight Test AnalysisRoot-Cause AnalysisRF Test ToolsNetwork TroubleshootingMission Payload VerificationTechnical Report GenerationField Procedure DevelopmentSystem Integration and TestData Link Configuration

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsMentoringTeam Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Ground Control StationTactical RadiosTelemetry SystemsAir-Ground Communications

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringMaster’s Degree in EngineeringU.S. Government Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

UAS OperationsFlight Test EnvironmentSpectrum ManagementAirworthiness ComplianceTactical Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the MUX TACAIR program as a senior technical lead for UAS flight test and operations
Lead field and flight test support from planning through execution and post-flight analysis
Integrate, configure, and troubleshoot the UAS platform, ground control station, tactical radios, and air–ground communications/data links
Perform on-site diagnostics and root-cause analysis across platform, RF, network, and payloads
Capture data and coordinate corrective actions with engineering teams
Support integration and verification of mission payloads during lab and flight test activities
Develop and maintain field procedures, checklists, and technical work instructions
Generate flight test reports, discrepancy reports, and technical documentation
Mentor junior field engineers, technicians, and operators
Ensure field activities comply with safety, spectrum, airworthiness, and security requirements
Lead a team of partners and contractors on UAS design, implementation, and mission integration

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; OR an additional 4 years’ experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Hands-on experience supporting UAS or other airborne platforms in a flight test or operational environment
Ability to troubleshoot at platform, RF, network, and payload levels using RF and network test tools and system logs/telemetry
Experience planning and supporting DoD flight test or range testing with multi-disciplinary teams
Strong technical documentation and communication skills
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50%, including extended periods at field/test sites
U.S. citizenship
Active/current U.S. government Secret clearance required, with ability to obtain/maintain program-specific clearances
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, Computer, RF/Communications, or related)
Preferred: Experience with tactical radios and/or data links supporting air–ground command, control, and telemetry
Preferred: Experience with UAS mission systems (flight control, navigation, ground control station software/HMI)
Preferred: Hands-on experience with RF payloads on airborne platforms
Preferred: Knowledge of RF link budgets, antennas, propagation, and spectrum management for tactical communications/data links
Preferred: Background in system integration and test (I&T) in both lab and flight test environments
Preferred: Ability to lead technical teams in the field and interface directly with customers, test directors, and range personnel

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may be available
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business