Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for an Internal Only: Sr. Principal Cyber Software Test Engineer – Test Lead/PO (26-460) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.
NOTE: This position is only available to current and active C2BMC personnel
This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.
Position Overview:
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.
The Sr Principal Cyber Software Test Engineer – Test Lead / Product Owner will serve as the primary technical lead for C2BMC‑Global (C2BMC‑G) test and analysis, providing daily technical and programmatic interaction with civilian, military, and contract leadership and technical personnel at MDA facilities (MDIOC and VB3) and LM offices in Colorado Springs, CO (Voyager and Federal Dr.) and Huntsville, AL. This role supports Agile Product Teams and the Integration & Test (I&T) functional area to conduct hardware, software, and system‑level verification and validation testing of the C2BMC‑Global system.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for C2BMC‑G test and analysis topics for the C2BMC National Team, interacting with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and MDIOC technical support personnel and other government contractor organizations
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate lab test and installation activities, including release installation, integration, and regression testing in C2BMC‑G test labs
- Act as a key stakeholder in test lab build‑out design, participating in design meetings and reviews to ensure test requirements and infrastructure needs are met
- Coordinate closely with technical leads (Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Deployment) and Cross Functional Product Team (CFPT) Product Owners to:
- Forecast test needs and resource requirements
- Identify test impacts and dependencies
- Resolve technical issues affecting test execution
- Identify inefficiencies and implement process and tooling improvements
- Manage and brief test status, risks, and metrics to leadership
- Chair or serve as the C2BMC National Team lead participant for MDA Capability Release (CR) and Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD) test assessment and verification activities
- Provide technical leadership in the resolution of complex test issues, including hardware, software, integration, and cybersecurity/IA findings, working hands‑on with lab configurations as required
- Execute test tasks in accordance with program processes, quality management practices, and the C2BMC Quality Management Plan (QMP), including test plan development, procedure execution, and results documentation
- Identify and communicate cost and technical risks to the CAM, Task Order PM, Product Owner, and Functional Area Manager (FAM), and develop and implement effective mitigation strategies
- Support the FAM in resource planning, including staffing, skill mix, and schedule alignment to task order baselines
- Provide test and technical support to JERB, JCCB, ROMB, and other configuration and review boards, as appropriate
- Support Task Order reviews, customer reviews, and test readiness reviews, including preparation and delivery of technical briefings and status reports
- Support metrics collection and analysis for test performance, defect trends, and lab utilization in accordance with the QMP
- The candidate is expected to perform the majority of work at the MDIOC facility on Schriever SFB with additional work at local LM facilities as required
- Additional assignments may include:
- Training for security functions and local operating procedures
- Participation in resident U.S. Space Force, Air Force, and MDA training relevant to MDIOC operations
- Other duties as assigned that are typical of contractor personnel on a military installation (e.g., exercise support, inspections, and base access requirements)
Basic Qualifications:
Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or 12 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
- Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be read on to SCI
- Travel as required (approximately 10%) in support of program reviews, test events, and coordination meetings at other customer or contractor locations
Technical Background:
- Demonstrated experience with the technical aspects of complex, highly integrated, networked computer systems, preferably in a DoD or MDA environment
- Familiarity with DoD/MDA testbed baseline concepts for testing hardware, software, and cyber/IA applications
- Experience supporting the integration and testing of Command & Control systems (e.g., BMDS, space, or related C2 systems), including external interfaces and/or space sensor interfaces
Test Engineering Experience:
- Hands‑on experience with hardware, software, and system‑level verification and validation including requirements decomposition, test planning, procedure development, test execution, defect tracking, and test reporting
- Experience with regression testing, test data analysis, and troubleshooting complex issues in lab or operationally representative environments
Infrastructure / Network Skills:
- Working knowledge of computer network systems and architectures, including servers, virtual machines (VMs), multicast techniques, and common network devices (e.g., firewalls, routers, switches, blade servers)
Soft Skills / Collaboration:
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical efforts, coordinate with multiple stakeholder organizations, and communicate complex technical issues clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Agile environments, including Agile test‑driven development practices and working directly with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross‑functional product teams
- Experience with one or more of the following tools and environments: DOORS or similar requirements management tools, JIRA, Confluence, and Test Management for JIRA (TM4J) or similar test management solutions, and Test automation tools and frameworks such as Gherkin, Cucumber, or equivalent BDD/ATDD tools
- Familiarity with common message formats and data standards, such as: TADIL‑J, Link‑16, or other tactical data links, and HTML, XML, COI, ATOMS, or similar formats used in C2BMC or BMDS environments
- Experience working with Windows and Linux operating systems, including daily use of MS Office and common scripting or diagnostic tools in test environments
- Previous experience on the C2BMC program, BMDS, or other Missile Defense Agency programs, especially in integration & test or lab operations.
- Active or previous SCI access
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:
- Health Plan
- Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Education Assistance
- Training and Development
- Flexible Work Arrangements
https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx
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Primary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00The 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 computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, mathematics, physics, or a related field, plus 8 years of experience; or a related master's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience; or 12 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
- Current, active, in-scope government-issued Top Secret security clearance at application, with eligibility to be read on to SCI
- Ability to travel approximately 10% for program reviews, test events, and coordination meetings
- Experience with complex, highly integrated, networked computer systems, preferably in a DoD or MDA environment
- Familiarity with DoD/MDA testbed baseline concepts for hardware, software, and cybersecurity or information assurance testing
- Experience integrating and testing command and control systems, including external or space sensor interfaces
- Hands-on experience with hardware, software, and system-level verification and validation, including requirements decomposition, test planning, procedure development, test execution, defect tracking, and reporting
- Experience with regression testing, test data analysis, and troubleshooting complex issues in laboratory or operationally representative environments
- Working knowledge of computer networks and architectures, servers, virtual machines, multicast techniques, firewalls, routers, switches, and blade servers
- Ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts and communicate complex technical issues to technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience in Agile environments, including Agile test-driven development and collaboration with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional teams
- Experience with DOORS or similar requirements tools, JIRA, Confluence, TM4J or similar test management solutions, and Gherkin, Cucumber, or equivalent BDD/ATDD tools
- Familiarity with TADIL-J, Link-16, HTML, XML, COI, ATOMS, or similar tactical data link and C2BMC/BMDS data formats
- Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems, Microsoft Office, and scripting or diagnostic tools
- Previous experience on the C2BMC program, BMDS, or other Missile Defense Agency programs
- Active or previous SCI access
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.







