Advanced Programs - Staff Test Engineer - 18266

Posted Yesterday
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Huntsville, AL, USA
In-Office
154K-230K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead preparation, execution, and analysis of integrated test plans and HWIL/SWIL lab activities for complex defense/aerospace systems. Configure test facilities, manage test data acquisition and configuration control, coordinate cross-functional teams and suppliers, perform hands-on troubleshooting and IATC, and produce data-driven evaluation reports while ensuring requirements traceability, safety, and security compliance.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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 Defense Systems is seeking a Staff Test Engineer. This position will be located in Huntsville, AL, supporting the Advanced Programs.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Prepare and configure test facilities and HWIL/SWIL laboratories, including planning, procurement, builds, and readiness for Phase 2 and future phase test activities.

  • Translate customer contractual requirements into integrated test concepts and solutions that balance technical performance, schedule, and cost constraints.

  • Develop and lead preparation and execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for subsystem, system, and lab-based testing, including In Air Eject Test and Underwater Eject Test events.

  • Coordinate integrated test activities, resources, and configurations across internal engineering teams, test operations, and external suppliers to ensure test readiness and efficient execution.

  • Contribute to and maintain the program Integrated Test Plan (ITP), ensuring completeness, consistency, and traceability of test requirements through verification and validation.

  • Perform technical analysis of test data and system performance, generating clear, data-driven evaluation reports and recommendations to drive design and risk-reduction decisions.

  • Review and assess supplier test plans, procedures, and results, including verification of delivered components and formal test data review for compliance to requirements.

  • Design and implement proof-of-concept and early risk-mitigation test methods, fixtures, and configurations to support Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction objectives.

  • Manage test data acquisition, configuration control, analysis, and documentation using appropriate digital tools to ensure traceability and reusability.

  • Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test, supervision, and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test.

  • Serve as a technical liaison on test-related matters with customers, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment on test strategy, execution status, and results while maintaining safety, security, and export-control compliance.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of relevant experience, OR a Masters degree and 10 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience.

  • Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

  • 5+ years of experience developing and executing integrated test plans and procedures for complex defense or aerospace systems, including requirements traceability within a systems engineering framework (e.g., DOORS or equivalent)

  • 5+ years of experience planning and executing hardware-in-the-loop and/or system-level hardware test activities, including coordination across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment

  • 5+ years of experience in development of innovative Test Automation solutions.

  • Possess a solid background and experience in system and network administration, including Linux and Windows.

  • Perform hands on troubleshooting and support organic/COTS SW/HW integration in the labs.

  • Be familiar with special test equipment, i.e. oscilloscopes, network analyzers etc.

  • Ability to support Integration and Test/Checkout (IATC) of Hardware and Software configuration items.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Top Secret Clearance

  • Experience developing and managing Integrated Test Plans (ITPs), test metrics, and risk-mitigating test strategies for major acquisition or DoD programs.

  • Experience leading hardware procurement and supplier test activities, including drafting or managing test-related Statements of Work (SOW) and reviewing supplier test data.

  • Experience with digital engineering and test/tooling ecosystems (e.g., Atlassian Jira/Confluence, MBSE/Cameo, and data analytics or visualization tools such as Tableau) to manage test configurations, issues, and metrics.

  • Experience facilitating technical reviews or program reviews and working in a multi-disciplinary, multi-team environment with strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • CompTIA Security+ Certification (or equivalent DoD 8570 certification)

  • SSCP (Systems Security Practitioner)

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including: 

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 

  • 401k 

  • Educational Assistance 

  • Life Insurance 

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions 

  • Paid Time Off 

  • Health & Wellness Resources 

  • Employee Discounts 

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,600.00 - $230,400.00

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. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 12 years relevant experience OR Master's degree and 10 years OR PhD and 8 years
  • US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance at time of application (investigation within last 6 years)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval
  • 5+ years developing and executing integrated test plans and procedures with requirements traceability (e.g., DOORS)
  • 5+ years planning and executing hardware-in-the-loop and/or system-level hardware test activities
  • 5+ years experience in development of Test Automation solutions
  • Solid background in system and network administration, including Linux and Windows
  • Hands-on troubleshooting and support for organic/COTS software and hardware integration in labs
  • Familiarity with special test equipment (oscilloscopes, network analyzers)
  • Ability to support Integration and Test/Checkout (IATC) of hardware and software configuration items
  • Willingness to travel ~10%

Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.

  • Retirement Support 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

What We Do

We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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