System Test Engineer /Principal System Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in Palmdale, CA seeks a System Test Engineer / Principal System Test Engineer to translate customer needs into test solutions across software, hardware and electromechanical domains. The role demands detail orientation and the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities include developing and executing test procedures, participating in test planning and data analysis, and supporting laboratory artifacts. Travel up to 10% and a U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline is required with 2+ years of related experience or Master’s with 0 years of experience.
• Experience in system testing, software development, and/or systems engineering.
• Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems and virtual machines.
• Experience writing Python scripts; Familiarity with SDLC and agile methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, execution, peer review, and release of test procedures.
• Participate in formal and informal test events and test planning.
• Perform discrepancy reporting, validation testing, and post-test data analysis.
• Provide support for required laboratory test artifacts and test results communication.
• Willing to support multiple shifts and lab schedules.

Skills

Python scripting

System testing

Software development

Systems engineering

Windows/Linux

Agile methodology

Clearance awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

IBM Rational DOORS

IBM Rational ClearQuest

JIRA

Confluence

Git

Job description

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance Required for Start: Yes

Clearance Type: Top Secret

Travel: Yes, 10% of the time

Description

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a System Test Engineer / Principal System Test Engineer located in Palmdale, CA. The selected candidate will synthesize customer contractual needs and requirements into system test solutions, acknowledging technical, schedule, and cost constraints, and will perform duties across electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, or software areas. The role requires detail orientation, organization, and quick learning in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in development, execution, peer review, and release of test procedures.
• Participate in both formal and non‑formal test execution events.
• Participate in test planning, discrepancy reporting, validation testing, and post‑test data analysis.
• Provide support for required laboratory test artifacts.
• Effectively communicate test results and project updates.
• Willing to support multiple shifts and odd hours to accommodate testing efforts and lab schedules.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
• Capability to work with supervision and develop effective problem‑solving approaches.
• Self‑motivated with strong attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Experience writing Python scripts.
• Experience in system testing, software development, and/or systems engineering.
• Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems and virtual machines.
• Understanding of the software development life cycle and agile methodology.

Basic Qualifications for Level 2

• Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience, OR Master's degree AND 0 years of related professional/military experience.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3

• Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience, OR Ph.D. AND 1 year of related professional/military experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Knowledge of system test and integration.
• Experience calibrating and inspecting special test equipment.
• Experience creating, updating, and executing test procedures.
• Security+ certification.
• Experience with IBM Rational tool suite (DOORS and ClearQuest).
• Experience with Atlassian tool suite (JIRA, Git, Confluence).
• Experience using software test automation tools/frameworks.
• Experience with Java, C++, or Python.

Compensation and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 – $125,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, long‑term incentives for VP/Director positions, health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays, and paid time off.

Work Schedule

Full‑time, onsite. No remote, hybrid, or telework available. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Security and Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

This opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.