Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer or Principal Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This position will be in Palmdale, CA.
We are seeking a high-energy, detail-oriented Systems Test Engineer to join our production test team. In this role, you will serve as the subject matter expert for aircraft systems, ensuring testing is executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards. This unique position requires proficiency across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic disciplines, with the ability to transition seamlessly between these functions. You will bridge the gap between systems engineers and the production execution team, guiding the test lifecycle from initial planning through final data evaluation.
The primary job responsibilities and skills include, but are not limited to the following:
Test Development: Contribute to the creation of acceptance test plans (ATP), test schedules, and detailed integration test procedures.
Coordination & Approvals: Host test planning working groups and coordinate technical reviews to move ATPs through the formal approval process.
Readiness & Execution: Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) prior to execution. Provide real-time support during testing, making critical decisions regarding safety and effectiveness.
Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the technical expert for aircraft systems. Create educational content for execution staff to improve troubleshooting and system awareness.
Collaboration: Interface with design and analysis teams to define test data requirements. Coordinate personnel and equipment to ensure seamless execution.
Post-Test Analysis: Participate in post-test data evaluations and resolve technical discrepancies.
Technical Proficiency: Ability to work under general direction to develop creative solutions for complex engineering problems.
Communication: Outstanding written and oral communication skills for interfacing with internal stakeholders and external organizations.
Adaptability: Self-motivated and willing to learn additional engineering disciplines as required.
Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
Flexibility: Willingness to work extended shifts, weekends, and holidays to meet critical program milestones.
Work Environment: This position requires a thorough and detailed approach to work. The candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced production environment where safety and schedule adherence are top priorities.
Selected Candidate must be able to work multiple shifts such as:
4x10A schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shift
4x10B schedule (Tue-Fri) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shift
3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st or 2nd or 3rd shifts
This requisition may be fulfilled at either Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer or Principal Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer.
Basic Qualifications
Basic Qualifications for Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer:
Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of experience in engineering; OR Master of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
Experience in a system test environment
Must have an active U.S. government Secret Clearance or higher
Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
Proficiency with Mechanical or Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering concepts.
Must be able to work multiple shifts depending on program need and have ability and willingness to work non-standard shifts/overtime.
Proficient with MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and/or Power Point.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Test Electromechanical Engineer
Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of experience in engineering; OR Master of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 3 years of experience in engineering; OR PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 1 year of experience in engineering.
Experience in a system test environment
Must have an active U.S. government Secret Clearance or higher
Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
Proficiency with Mechanical or Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering concepts.
Must be able to work multiple shifts depending on program need and have ability and willingness to work non-standard shifts/overtime.
Proficient with MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and/or Power Point.
Preferred Qualifications:
Current Program SAP Access.
Experience that includes test planning, execution, and operations in a production or flight test environment.
Active US government Top Secret clearance
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in STEM with 2 years engineering experience OR Master of Science in STEM (Systems Test Engineer)
- Bachelor of Science in STEM with 5 years engineering experience OR Master of Science in STEM with 3 years OR PhD with 1 year (Principal Systems Test Engineer)
- Experience in a system test environment
- Active U.S. government Secret clearance or higher
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR)
- Proficiency with mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical engineering concepts
- Ability and willingness to work multiple shifts, non-standard shifts, and overtime
- Proficient with MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Current Program SAP Access
- Experience with test planning, execution, and operations in production or flight test environments
- Active U.S. government Top Secret clearance
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.







