Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr Principal Hardware Integration and Test Engineer to join our team. This position is based in Aurora, Colorado.
The selected candidate for this role will bring a background in ground systems software and hardware integration and test, with a focus on understanding how changes in requirements impact software and hardware designs. This role will involve working on systems that utilize diverse electrical signals including power, RF, and fiber optics.
What You’ll Get To Do:
Provide engineering expertise for test planning, test environment development, unit testing, part and assembly characterization, testing, and verification processes, ensuring software and hardware at each architectural level meets all specified requirements and standards.
Design Test software and hardware to provide input stimulus and verify output formatting and error free content
Conduct troubleshooting and modifications on existing hardware designs to enhance performance and reliability.
Utilize clear technical writing to document plans, design, design alterations, prepare reports, and develop design specifications and validation plans.
Generate/Update/Finalize drawings, support equipment moves, rack and stack of equipment (both test and product) and integration of RF front end and compute equipment into a shelter for deployment.
Collaborate on the design and integration of hardware and software systems ensuring adherence to changing requirements and specifications.
Position may require occasional travel CONUS and OCONUS to support field activities and hardware deployment.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8+ years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree in a STEM field with 6+ years of relevant experience is required.
Must have an active DoD Top Secret Clearance at the time of application with SCI eligibility
Experience with hardware design, performing integration and developing and executing test processes.
Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of requirement changes on hardware design.
Experience with power, RF, and fiber electrical signal principles and applications.
Can lift 50 lbs.
Can work from elevated positions at heights above 8 feet.
Ability to work in the field under austere weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with SW testing tools such as Python, Python’s unittest and pytest libraries, Jenkins, Matlab, Gitlab, Github
Experience with RF and Electrical testing tools, such as Spectrum Analyzer, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, RF Power meters, multimeters
Experience in Linux/RHEL bash scripting and CICD pipeline establishment and testing
Experience with complex system architectures and hardware validation procedures.
Knowledge of electronic components and their applications in communication systems.
Previous experience in a fast-paced engineering environment with a focus on field support operations is desirable.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8+ years relevant experience or Master's with 6+ years
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility at time of application
- Experience with hardware design, integration, and developing/executing test processes
- Knowledge of impacts of requirement changes on hardware design
- Experience with power, RF, and fiber electrical signal principles and applications
- Ability to lift 50 lbs
- Ability to work from elevated positions above 8 feet
- Ability to work in the field under austere weather conditions
- Experience with Python, unittest/pytest, Jenkins, Matlab, GitLab/GitHub, Linux/RHEL bash, and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience with RF and electrical test equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, RF power meters, multimeters)
- Experience with complex system architectures and hardware validation procedures
- Previous field support operations experience in fast-paced engineering environments
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
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.









