Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Engineer Systems Test / Principal Engineer Systems Test to join the team of qualified individuals on our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located onsite in Palmdale, CA.
**This role may be filled at the Base OR Principal level based on the qualifications listed, below**
The successful candidate will perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform analyses at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal.
- Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
- Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Must be willing to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
Basic Qualifications (Base):
- Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 0 years of related professional/military experience OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 0 years of related professional/military experience
- Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into 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
- Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
- Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and other shift assignments as required
Basic Qualifications (Principal):
- Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 3 years of related professional/military experience OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience
- Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into 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
- Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
- Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and other shift assignments as required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience with aircraft systems testing
- Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience reading and working to Air Force Technical Orders
- Experience with aircraft data analysis, using OGP (On Board Test System Ground Processor)
- Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office Tools.
- Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline (or MS/PhD with reduced experience) with relevant professional/military experience as specified
- Active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- Willingness and ability to work various shifts (including 4x10 and 3x10 schedules) as required
- Willingness and ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and other shift assignments as required
- Previous experience with aircraft systems testing
- Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience reading and working to Air Force Technical Orders
- Experience with aircraft data analysis using OGP (On Board Test System Ground Processor)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
- Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.






