Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - ATP Lead

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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.  Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.  Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems' Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) division is seeking a Sr Principal Systems Engineer - Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) Lead in Baltimore, MD. The Sr. Principal Engineer Systems will own system‑level acceptance testing, ensure test resources align with build schedules, and drive the maturation, repeatability, and automation of test processes. This role is essential for maintaining hardware readiness, managing defect resolution, and providing the data and technical recommendations needed by senior leadership, production managers, and quality assurance to meet program milestones and field‑support commitments.  The Lead will plan and execute system ATPs, develop and mentor a test team, lead cross‑disciplinary root‑cause investigations, manage SAP Quality Notifications and configuration records, and produce metrics, dashboards, and status reports. Acting as the primary interface among program management, system architecture, integration & test SMEs, and quality assurance, the position also supports integration activities, field support, and continuous‑improvement initiatives across radar, RF, EW, and related mission‑system hardware.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Lead Acceptance Test Execution – Plan, schedule, and execute system level acceptance tests; maintain the System ATP plan and procedures; ensure resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, test assets) are available and aligned with production build plans and program milestones.
• Facilitate Team Development – Provide training for System ATP execution engineers and mentor a growing test team.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis – Direct cross disciplinary investigations (hardware, firmware, software); determine corrective actions, verify effectiveness, and document results.
• Defect Tracking & Configuration Management – Generate and manage Quality Notifications (QNs) in SAP; maintain accurate records of test results, failure investigations, and hardware traceability.
• Production Support & Process Improvement – Mature acceptance test processes for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP); drive test efficiency, repeatability, and automation; develop metrics, dashboards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cross Functional Leadership – Act as the primary interface for Production Program Managers, Technical Leadership (Chief Engineer, System Architect, SEIT Lead), Integration & Test SMEs, and Quality/Mission Assurance.
• Data Review & Reporting – Compile and analyze test data packages; lead formal data reviews; produce status reports on hardware readiness, defect trends, and test execution; present concise technical recommendations to senior leadership and customers.
• Engage in System Integration & Field Support – Support integration and test activities; provide field support as needed.

The role will report to the Program Technical Leadership team and work closely with Production Program Managers and Quality Assurance.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or equivalent experience; 8 + years of relevant engineering experience; 6 years of experience with a Maters; or 4 years of experience with a PhD.  An additional 4 years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree 
• US Citizenship required
• Active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start is required.
• Experience supporting radar, RF, electronic warfare (EW), or other mission system programs; familiarity with sensor hardware capabilities and integration/testing of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.
• Proficiency with SAP Quality Notifications (QNs); experience with acceptance test execution, hardware selloff processes, and defect tracking/configuration management tools.
• Experience using MATLAB for data analysis and performing root cause investigations.
• Ability to work onsite in Baltimore, MD

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a STEM field.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance or higher.
• Proven ability to produce publication quality documentation and lead formal technical reviews.

Position contingent on transfer of an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and award of Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to start.

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

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.