Staff Test Pilot - (SkillBridge)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: No 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. As one of the largest global security companies in the world, Northrop Grumman is proud to help our nation’s military personnel navigate their next chapter into civilian careers. Approximately 20% of Northrop Grumman’s 100,000 employees self-identify as veterans, and more than 2,000 are reservists. The Northrop Grumman SkillBridge Program is an approved SkillBridge Program under Dept. of Defense Instruction 1322.29. The program is an opportunity for service members preparing for civilian careers to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 6 months of service, for up to 180 days. The SkillBridge Program is open to all ranks and experience levels. SkillBridge participants are not eligible for compensation from Northrop Grumman, as they continue to receive military compensation and benefits as active-duty service members . Responsibilities for SkillBridge Program participation are: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) has developed the Northrop Grumman –SkillBridge Program (SkillBridge) utilizing the DoDI guidance for SkillBridge. Through this program, the service-member will work on site with their host company, gaining experience in an entry to mid-level career path. The service member will be on the job training supporting a work schedule equivalent to 40hrs per week. Outlined below are the Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for the program. Goals – Provide separating service-members with job skills training in a professional setting during the final phase of their military service. This program is specifically designed to offer hands-on experience that result in the potential to convert to a full-time opportunity as the conclusion of the training. Participants will serve as a pipeline for high-speed, motivated military candidates into NGC. Objectives - Service Members who complete the SkillBridge program will be highly trained, capable, future employees that align to the specific needs of the organization and are prepared to meet the NG mission “Defining Possible” on Day 1. This program provides comprehensive hands-on experience including professional development, networking with leadership, and training specifically focused on NG leadership principles, company history, customer/stakeholder engagement, product and service overview, and core job responsibilities. Outcome – Offer service-members preparing for civilian careers a rewarding opportunity to join the Northrop Grumman team. SkillBridge Eligibility: Has served at least 180 days on active duty Is within 12 months of separation or retirement Will receive an honorable discharge Has taken any service TAPS/TGPS Has attended or participated in an ethics brief within the last 12 months Received Unit Commander ( first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) written authorization and approval to participate in SkillBridge Program prior to start of internship. MPR Before Applying IMPORTANT – Complete the SkillBridge prescreening questions online – Click here to access Job Description: Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, located in Baltimore, MD, has an immediate need for a Staff Test Pilot for Flight Test Operations. This organization provides flight test capabilities for the development, assessment and demonstration of NGC products and systems. The responsibilities of the Staff Test Pilot include: Perform research and development flight test in support sensor development intended for a wide variety of applications and in various states of technical maturity. Maintain currency and proficiency in multiple aircraft types. Plan and execute flight operations in support of sensor development throughout the National Airspace System to include Special Use Airspace, participation in military exercises, and cooperation with military assets. Plan and execute test flights to verify analysis in support of aircraft modifications. Provide technical support and liaison with program teams in support of sensor integration. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications : Bachelors of Science degree with 12 years or more of professional/military experience - OR - a Master’s degree with 10 years or more professional/military experience Pilot graduate (long-course) of a military test pilot school (USNTPS, USAFTPS, ETPS or EPNER) Minimum three years of test pilot experience in developmental and/or operational flight test FAA Commercial Multi-Engine Land pilot certificate without a centerline thrust restriction FAA Second Class Medical Minimum 1500 hours First Pilot (USN/USMC) or Primary (USAF) flight time in turbojet, turbofan or turboprop aircraft Current ACTIVE DoD Secret clearance or higher within the past two years with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation. The ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating Previous experience in aircraft modifications, configuration and control and technical/operational review boards Familiar with government flight test organizations, ranges, and processes Technically and operationally familiar with airborne radar systems FAA type ratings and experience in multi-engine, non-centerline thrust aircraft Primary Level Salary Range: $205,500.00 - $306,700.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Alexandria , Staff Test Pilot - (SkillBridge), Engineering , Baltimore, Virginia