Sr Principal System Engineer - Integration & Test

Relocation assistance may be available. Active SCI clearance required at time of application. Travel up to 25% of the time, often for extended periods (up to two months’ duration).

About the role

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.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems Sector is seeking a Sr Principal Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA. In this role, you will support factory (DT&E1) testing and site testing (DT&E2) by performing dry-runs and run-for-records (RFRs), along with test procedure development, conducting and presenting at Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Test Review Boards (TRBs).

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and execute system-level integration and test procedures for the Ground Element in both factory (DT&E1) and site (DT&E2) environments.
• Plan and conduct dry-runs and run-for-record (RFR) test executions, including coordination of test resources, configurations, and data collection.
• Prepare and present material for Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Test Review Boards (TRBs), including test objectives, configurations, results, and discrepancies.
• Analyze test data to verify requirements compliance, identify anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and drive resolution of discrepancies with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Develop and/or provide inputs to Requests for Change (RFCs) and Configuration/Change Control artifacts based on test findings and evolving system needs.
• Author and maintain Ground Element technical documentation such as Network Interface Planning Documents, System Test Plans, Site Integration Requirements, and Facilities Requirements Documents.
• Support integration of hardware, software, and networks within the ground system, including configuration, checkout, and troubleshooting of complex system interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with software, network, and systems engineering teams to ensure testability, integration readiness, and verification of system requirements.
• Participate in site installation, integration, and verification activities, including extended travel to operational locations as required.
• Adhere to established test processes, configuration management, and quality standards while identifying and implementing continuous improvements to test efficiency and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR, Master's degree in STEM with 6+ years of experience OR, PhD degree in a STEM discipline with 4+ years of experience.
• Active SCI clearance required at time of application.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, often for extended periods (up to two months’ duration).
• Minimum of three years of experience in test procedure development, test planning, and/or integration and test.
• Demonstrated written and oral communications skills through written requirements, test, and evaluation criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems.
• Experience working in a command line environment.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages such as Python.
• Experience in software integration activities.
• Experience in basic networking.
• Certified in CompTIA Security+ or higher.
• Working knowledge of test instruments including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.
• Experience in troubleshooting of complex systems.
• Experience with ground segment testing and ground integration activities.
• Experience working as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Automated Test and Integration frameworks including Playwright.

Benefits

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage.
• 401k.
• Educational Assistance.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions.
• Paid Time Off.
• Health & Wellness Resources.
• Employee Discounts.
• Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.