Principal/Sr Principal Ground Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 103,600 - 155,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is looking for a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Ground Test Engineer based in Palmdale, CA. The role involves planning and executing test events, leading teams of technicians, and conducting analyses to support test objectives.

Candidates should hold a BS with significant experience in the testing environment and possess an active US Government Secret clearance. Opportunities for bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance are also provided.

Qualifications

• BS with 5 years related experience OR MS with 3 years OR PhD with 0 years.
• Familiarity with special test equipment and engineering guidance.
• Must be able to work multiple shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and conduct test events.
• Lead teams during test execution.
• Analyze and interpret test data.
• Develop test procedures with Responsible Engineers.

Skills

System test experience

Blueprint familiarity

Data collection

Test planning

Active US Government Secret clearance

Education

BS in related field

MS in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Test Work Sheets and Prep Items

MES and FMT

Job description

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Security Clearance

Requires Secret clearance. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Travel

10% of the time.

Position Summary

Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Ground Test Engineer located in Palmdale, CA. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and conducting test events; leading teams of technicians and engineers during test execution; authoring work authorizations (TWS, Prep Items, etc.); working with Responsible Engineers and System Test Engineers to develop test procedures; performing test article operations in a production environment; attending meetings as a test subject matter expert; and supporting data processing and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and conduct test events.
• Lead teams of technicians and engineers during test execution.
• Author work authorizations (TWS, Prep Items, etc.) for test and troubleshooting.
• Develop test procedures in collaboration with Responsible Engineers and System Test Engineers.
• Perform test article operations in a production environment.
• Attend meetings as a test subject matter expert (TRRs, test planning, documentation, engineering briefs/debriefs).
• Lead team through test execution.
• Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis.
• Provide first‑line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications.
• Analyze and interpret test data, recommend alternate means of compliance, and support test objectives.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Engineer

• BS with 5 years of related professional/military experience OR MS with 3 years OR PhD with 0 years.
• Experience in a system test and/or aircraft test/operational environment.
• Familiarity with blueprints, engineering guidance, data collection, and special test equipment.
• Active US Government Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance.
• Must be able to work multiple shifts as required.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Engineer

• BS with 8 years of related professional/military experience OR MS with 7 years OR PhD with 4 years.
• Experience in a system test and/or aircraft test/operational environment.
• Familiarity with blueprints, engineering guidance, data collection, and special test equipment.
• Active US Government Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance.
• Must be able to work multiple shifts as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Test Engineer that includes test planning, execution, and operations.
• Experience with Test Work Sheets, Prep Items, and other test work documents.
• Experience with MES, FMT, or other documentation systems.
• Active Program clearance.
• Active Top‑Secret clearance.

Salary

Primary Level: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00. Secondary Level: $129,300.00 – $193,900.00.

Benefits

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and Long Term Incentives for VP/Director positions. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, paid time off, and other standard benefits.

EEO Statement

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