Lead Systems Test Engineer (Aircraft) – Secret Clearance

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer to lead our production test team in Palmdale, CA. You will bridge systems engineers and the production execution team, guiding the test lifecycle from planning through data evaluation.

Responsibilities span ATP development, TRR leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentor-ship of junior engineers. Expect a fast-paced environment with shifts and travel as needed; active Secret clearance required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree). Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a BS Degree or 3 Years with MS Degree or 2 years with a Ph.D. in STEM
• Experience in a system test environment
• Must have an active U.S. government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
• Proficiency with Mechanical or Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering concepts.
• Must be able to work multiple shifts depending on program need and have ability and willingness to work non-standard shifts/overtime.
• Proficient with MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and/or Power Point.

Responsibilities

• Test Development: Contribute to ATPs, test schedules, and detailed integration test procedures.
• Coordination & Approvals: Lead test planning groups and coordinate ATP reviews to move through approvals.
• Readiness & Execution: Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) prior to execution and provide real-time testing support.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the technical expert for aircraft systems and educate execution staff.
• Collaboration: Interface with design and analysis teams to define test data requirements and coordinate resources.
• Post-Test Analysis: Participate in post-test data evaluations and resolve discrepancies.
• Technical Proficiency: Develop creative solutions for complex engineering problems.
• Communication: Maintain outstanding written and oral communication with stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Be self-motivated and willing to learn additional engineering disciplines.
• Teamwork: Work effectively independently and within a team.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced production environment with safety and schedule adherence as priorities.

Skills

System test experience

Active clearance

MS Office proficiency

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s in STEM

Tools

Visio

AutoCAD

CATIA

NX

MS Office

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer to lead our production test team in Palmdale, CA. You will bridge systems engineers and the production execution team, guiding the test lifecycle from planning through data evaluation.

Responsibilities span ATP development, TRR leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentor-ship of junior engineers. Expect a fast-paced environment with shifts and travel as needed; active Secret clearance required.