Principal / Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Principal/Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer to join our team in Palmdale, CA. This role leads the production test team, bridging systems engineers and the production execution group to ensure safe, efficient, and rigorous testing across electrical, RF, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic domains.

You will mentor junior engineers, develop ATPs, and oversee readiness reviews while coordinating with design and analysis teams to define data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in STEM with 5 years' experience (BS), 3 years (MS) or 2 years (PhD).
• Active U.S. government Secret or higher clearance (or clearable).
• Ability to obtain PAR access within a reasonable period.
• Experience in a system test environment.

Responsibilities

• Test Development: create ATPs, test schedules, and integration test procedures.
• Coordination & Approvals: lead planning groups and reviews for ATP approvals.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) prior to execution.
• Act as technical expert for aircraft systems and educate execution staff.
• Interface with design and analysis teams to define data requirements.
• Post-test data evaluations and resolution of discrepancies.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders and external organizations.
• Willingness to learn and adapt across disciplines.
• Collaborate effectively with production and engineering teams.

Skills

System test experience

Clearance knowledge

Electrical/mechanical concepts

Multi-shift work

Education

Bachelor's STEM degree

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Principal/Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This position will be in Palmdale, CA.

We are seeking a high-energy, detail-oriented Systems Test Engineer to join our production test team as a lead. In this role, you will serve as the subject matter expert for aircraft systems, ensuring testing is executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards. This unique position requires proficiency across electrical, RF, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic disciplines, with the ability to transition seamlessly between these functions. You will bridge the gap between systems engineers and the production execution team, guiding the test lifecycle from initial planning through final data evaluation. As a lead, you will manage a small team of junior engineers and establish a structured mentorship and knowledge-sharing cadence. Your goal will be to bridge the gap between the technician and engineer workforces.

The primary job responsibilities and skills include, but are not limited to the following:

• Test Development: Contribute to the creation of acceptance test plans (ATP), test schedules, and detailed integration test procedures.
• Coordination & Approvals: Host test planning working groups and coordinate technical reviews to move ATPs through the formal approval process.
• Readiness & Execution: Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) prior to execution. Provide real-time support during testing, making critical decisions regarding safety and effectiveness.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the technical expert for aircraft systems. Create educational content for execution staff to improve troubleshooting and system awareness.
• Collaboration: Interface with design and analysis teams to define test data requirements. Coordinate personnel and equipment to ensure seamless execution.
• Post-Test Analysis: Participate in post-test data evaluations and resolve technical discrepancies.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to work under general direction to develop creative solutions for complex engineering problems.
• Communication: Outstanding written and oral communication skills for interfacing with internal stakeholders and external organizations.
• Adaptability: Self-motivated and willing to learn additional engineering disciplines as required.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended shifts, weekends, and holidays to meet critical program milestones.

Selected Candidate must be able to work multiple shifts such as:

• 4x10A schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shift
• 4x10B schedule (Tue-Fri) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shift
• 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shifts

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below

Basic Qualifications:

This position can be filled at either a Principal or Sr Principal Systems Test Engineer level.

Basic Qualifications Principal Systems Test Engineer:

• 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 ne