Rocket Propulsion Test Site Lead (M2)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Rocket Propulsion Test Site Lead (M2) for the Thermal, Propulsion & Cryocooler Systems (TPCS) Department in Edwards Air Force Base, CA, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
 

The Thermal, Propulsion & Cryocooler Systems (TPCS) department, part of the Western Region Vehicle Engineering organization, is comprised of approximately 75 highly skilled professionals, ranging from early-career engineers to senior chief engineers and leadership. Supporting numerous programs, the department offers abundant opportunities for career advancement into higher-level technical roles or leadership positions. Our culture emphasizes cross-program collaboration, continuous professional growth, and a strong sense of community.

The Rocket Propulsion Test Site Lead serves as the primary interface for site operations and the testing of liquid‑rocket‑engine flight hardware. The role’s core responsibility is to ensure the safety of personnel and test activities while meeting mission and engineering objectives. Working closely with the Test Conductor, you will manage the organizational aspects of testing and act as liaison to base personnel, program engineering, and management. Additional duties include overseeing site hardware and consumables, maintaining schedules and system safety, verifying test readiness, reviewing procedures and reports, and assisting in the resolution of test anomalies in coordination with Test Conductor, Thruster, and Quality Engineering.
 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the site team to conduct safe hot‑fire testing.
• Oversee preparation and configuration of fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems for test readiness.
• Procure hardware and consumables required for site operations.
• Serve as the primary interface with Edwards Air Force Base and AFRL personnel.
• Coordinate with the program and support team located in Redondo Beach, CA.
• Identify staffing requirements and ensure appropriate training is provided.
• Collaborate with site safety personnel to develop, review, and obtain approval for test plans, procedures, and readiness reviews.
• Review test procedures and system operating instructions.
• Develop and maintain safety operating procedures.
• Supervise installation and troubleshooting of flight hardware and test‑facility systems.
• Be prepared to work with a respirator and Level B personal protective equipment when required.
• Maintain calibration records and daily logs in compliance with state and local regulations.
• Must be able to work and support a 4/10 schedule
   

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of engineering experience
• Experience leading testing, assembling, or manufacturing fluid system hardware
• Experience writing test procedures
• Experience with piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
• Selected candidate must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
   

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience hot-fire testing liquid rocket engines
• Experience working as a test conductor
• Experience working with hypergolic propellants or hazardous chemicals
• HAZCOM/ HAZWOPER Training
• Familiarity with LabView software
• Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians
• Experience designing or analyzing liquid rocket engines or liquid propulsion systems

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.