Sr Principal Engineer Test - AHT (GBAD)

Security regulations require U.S. citizenship and an active Department of Defense Secret (or higher) clearance for start. No relocation assistance is provided. Travel is required, up to 50% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) – Armament Systems is seeking a Sr Principal Engineer Test for our Gun Canon-Based Air Defense (GBAD) program in Plymouth, Minnesota or Huntsville, Alabama. GBAD integrates sensors, battle management command and control, and effectors leveraging battle-proven cannons and advanced ammunition to defend against subsonic cruise missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Responsibilities

• Create Master Test Plans (MTPs), Hardware Utilization Matrixes (HUMs), Detailed Test Plans (DTPs), Test Procedures, and Engineering Test Reports (ETRs) in a Department of Defense (DoD) environment using applicable military specifications and standards for system requirements verification and validation.
• Administer system test activities for programs and projects as part of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring adherence to proper test engineering practices and company processes.
• Serve as a Control Account Manager (CAM) to lead engineering and design verification testing activities, coordinating with NGDS IPTs to maintain budgets and meet milestones.
• Interface with external customers and business partners as a key contributor.
• Plan, lead, and organize Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and generate required documentation packages, including checklists.
• Lead proposal and bidding activities for new programs and projects related to system test activities.
• Coordinate with program managers, chief engineers, design engineers, quality engineers, DCMA, and external customers.

Requirements

• 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Science; 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD.
• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs and projects related to product verification and validation, including test plans, test conduct, and test report generation.
• Complete understanding and application of military specifications and standards for requirements verification of advanced technology weapons, medium and large caliber ammunition, and precision guidance weapons.
• Experience with environmental testing methods, including ballistics, tracer, self-destruct, round performance, temperature (storage and live fire), transportation vibration, drop shock, thermal, jolt/jumble, salt fog, waterproofing, and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Testing.
• Prior experience assembling test plans and test reports for customer deliverables, capturing required test data per the test plan/procedure.
• Ability to travel 25% to 50% to support off-site testing activities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently, organizing and prioritizing job assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings per ASME, including extensive use of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) – per ASME Y14.5-2009.
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter EPLM (TcUA/AW) and system requirements tools such as CAMEO or DOORS.
• Knowledge of failure analysis and resolution methods, such as FRACAS and 8D.
• Design experience related to aerospace products and systems using similar industry specifications and standards.

Pay

Primary salary range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00. The final offer considers scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and company results. Vice Presidents and Directors may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business