Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer Data to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
Join our high-impact Instrumentation & Data team to build the backbone of our data collection architectures across Flight, Lab, Ground, and Specialty Test articles.
As a Data Engineer supporting the Instrumentation & Data team, you support the development, design, and integration of a complex test data acquisition system architecture. You will develop requirements for passive bus data connections across common protocols (Ethernet, 1553, 1394, ARINC 429, CAN, etc.) combined with analog sensor data for on-vehicle data recording in IRIG 106 CH10 or TmNS and real-time telemetry. You will develop a data management plan to support collection of test data across various test mediums for the program. Additionally, you will support development of hardware and software tools to enable collection, processing, and dissemination of test data across Lab, Ground, and Flight Test activities across multiple sites.
You will support data collection configuration of the Lab, Ground, and Flight Test Instrumentation system, coordinate test activity, and communicate data system issues status to team leadership. Lastly, you will support test readiness reviews, test planning working groups, and pre- and post-test briefings.
Experience with test data acquisition systems, data configuration and collection software, as well as database development for measurand and test data is desired. Knowledge of telemetry, onboard recording, data acquisition system equipment by Safran, TTC/Curtiss-Wright, and Quasonix and ground stations is preferred. You will help prepare system specifications, Request for Quotes (RFQ’s), and Statement of Work (SOW’s) which satisfy test and system requirements. Additionally, you will support test activities, anomaly resolution, and process improvement initiatives. Candidate must have a willingness to embrace change and work in a dynamic environment. 10% travel to support program activities and integration will be required.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform all aspects of data engineering from initial data management plan and ICD development through test, implementation, and maintenance
Optimize data collection and dissemination to existing software tools and data reduction suites
Ensure data collection performance and data delivery capabilities meet Test & Evaluation, vehicle subsystem Responsible Engineer, and customer requirements
Troubleshoot bus data collection systems and system issues
Collaborates within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, customers, and other technical disciplines.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, 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.
Basic Qualifications:
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (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
Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with ground and flight data acquisition system design and testing methodologies with a focus in bus data collection
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML within Cameo
VMWare or other virtualization experience
Demonstrated experience shaping and documenting technical processes and procedures for development programs
Experience in development of Interface Control Documents and Supplier Statements of Work with vendors; evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions; collaboration with vendors for troubleshooting issues
Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions
Demonstrated excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels across IPTs
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in STEM AND 5 years related experience OR Master of Science in STEM AND 3 years related experience OR Ph.D. in STEM AND 1 year related experience
- Ability to transfer and maintain final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
- U.S. Citizenship required for positions with government clearance
- Willingness/ability to travel (up to 25% of the time)
- Experience with test data acquisition systems, data configuration and collection software, and database development for measurand and test data
- Knowledge of telemetry, onboard recording, and data acquisition equipment (Safran, TTC/Curtiss-Wright, Quasonix) and ground stations
- Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML and Cameo
- VMWare or other virtualization experience
- Experience preparing system specifications, RFQs, SOWs, ICDs, and collaborating with vendors for evaluation and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated ability to shape and document technical processes and work independently under minimal direction
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interface with IPT leadership, suppliers, customers, and technical disciplines
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.







