Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer - 15109-1

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, with ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval. Travel required: 10% of the time.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Test Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer for the Launch Systems team in Roy, UT, supporting the Sentinel (GBSD) program. Our employees work on revolutionary systems that impact lives globally, contributing to technological advancements from historic flights to space exploration. We foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bold innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop customer contractual needs and requirements into test solutions, considering technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
• Develop and direct preparation and execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules.
• Review and evaluate test requirements for completeness of the test program.
• Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts, Element Test teams, System Test teams, and other stakeholders to identify test objectives, requirements, and risks.
• Support development of instrumentation requirements for Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing.
• Identify test support requirements and coordinate with Design & Integration team for budget and personnel needs.
• Oversee test activities in support of requirement verification and validation.
• Conduct daily briefings and approve test start for each test event.
• Approve Break of Configuration on the test floor.
• Conduct tabletop reviews and dry run test procedures with the test team prior to execution.
• Coordinate and conduct Technical and Safety Review Boards, and Test Readiness Reviews.
• Support customer Test Plan Working Groups.
• Prepare Test Planning Team charters.
• Coordinate with Quality organization for test support.
• Review and approve major test amendments.
• Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to define test objectives and requirements for test activities in a hardware in the loop lab.

Requirements

• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, with ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval.
• 3+ years’ experience in guidance, navigation, or control algorithm development and/or flight/trajectory analysis for launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, and/or aircraft applications.
• Working knowledge of system integration (hardware and software) and test principles.
• Experience supporting the development, planning, and execution of test plans and reporting.
• Basic knowledge of systems engineering principles, including requirement decomposition and allocation.
• Experience in sensor navigation, including inertial, radio, and/or optical navigation techniques.
• Experience in strategic missile guidance and implementation of guidance algorithms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, and/or other tools for GN&C analysis and development.
• Knowledge/experience with AF Test Directive 99-103.
• Experience in troubleshooting anomalous hardware and software.
• Experience with ICBMs (MM, PK, Small Missile) or DOD programs.

Qualifications

• Principal Systems Test Engineer (T3): 5 years with a Bachelor’s in Science; 3 years with a Master’s; 1 year with a PhD.
• Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer (T4): 8 years with a Bachelor’s in Science; 6 years with a Master’s; 4 years with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• DoD Top Secret Clearance.
• Knowledge/experience with IBM DOORS database.
• Support the generation of test procedures and test readiness reviews (TRRs).
• Strong background in test instrumentation.
• Creation of test Concept of Operations (ConOps) flows that maximize utility of test resources while meeting schedule and technical requirements.
• Generate and support test data decomposition and test reports to other IPTs.
• Assist in consolidating and processing final test data for requirements verification/model validation sign-off.
• Strong understanding of the entire product lifecycle, modeling, and engineering best practices.
• Experience as acting Test Conductor/Lead during test procedure execution.
• Experience defining test objectives based on test requirements, VCRM, and interface and specification documentation.
• Experience with data collection/instrumentation (methods, hardware, setup, and troubleshooting).
• Experience with development of test plans, procedures, and reports (functional testing and checkout).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Educational Assistance.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions.
• Paid Time Off.
• Health & Wellness Resources.

Pay

• Principal Systems Test Engineer (T3): $98,400.00 - $147,600.00.
• Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer (T4): $122,800.00 - $184,200.00.

Base salary offers consider scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Additional compensation may include overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.