Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Systems Test Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3) to join our team in Plymouth, MN. In this role, you will help ensure our advanced weapons and ammunition systems perform as designed in some of the most demanding environments.
About the Role
In this position, you will:
- Translate customer and contractual requirements into system-level test strategies and solutions that balance technical performance, schedule, and cost.
- Develop and lead the execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for complex systems.
- Coordinate and oversee integrated testing activities, ensuring test coverage is complete and risks are understood and mitigated.
- Perform technical analysis at the system level and prepare clear, comprehensive test and evaluation reports.
- Review and evaluate test requirements to ensure the completeness and effectiveness of the overall test program.
You will typically serve as a lead test engineer responsible for:
- Creating Detailed Test Plans (DTPs), Test Procedures, and Engineering Test Reports (ETRs) in a Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
- Applying relevant military specifications and standards to verify and validate system requirements.
- Planning, organizing, communicating, and executing test activities as part of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring adherence to test engineering practices, company work instructions, and processes.
- Acting as a key interface with external customers, end users, and business partners as needed.
You will also:
- Generate required test documentation packages (including checklists) and plan/lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) prior to test events.
- Coordinate closely with program managers, chief engineers, design and quality engineers, DCMA, and external customers.
- Develop Master Test Plans (MTPs) and Hardware Utilization Matrices (HUMs).
- Potentially perform as a Control Account Manager (CAM), helping to manage cost, schedule, and scope for engineering and design verification test activities.
- Support proposal and bidding efforts for new programs and projects by contributing test strategies, estimates, and content.
Note: This position may be filled at the Systems Test Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3) level depending on the candidate’s education and years of relevant experience.
Basic Qualifications for Systems Test Engineer (Level 2)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering
- 2+ years of experience in an engineering organization (Systems Test Engineering preferred); OR Master’s degree in one of the above disciplines in lieu of 2 years of experience
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering
- 5+ years of experience in an engineering organization (Systems Test Engineering preferred); OR Master’s degree in one of the above disciplines with 3+ years of experience
In addition, for both levels:
- Experience with DoD programs as they relate to product verification and validation, including test planning, test conduct, and test report generation.
- Strong understanding and application of military specifications and standards for requirements verification of advanced weapons, medium and large caliber ammunition, and precision-guided weapons.
- Experience with environmental testing methods and processes, such as:
- Ballistics, trace, self-destruct, round performance
- Temperature and humidity (storage and live fire)
- Transportation vibration, drop shock, thermal, jolt/jumble
- Salt fog, waterproofing
- Electromagnetic environmental effects (E3)
- Prior experience generating test plans and test reports for customer deliverables, including capturing required test data and results.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to work independently and effectively organize and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to travel 25%–50% to support off-site testing activities.
- Must be a U.S. citizen due to security requirements.
- Must have the ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Highly Desired Qualifications
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings per ASME, including extensive use of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2009 and related standards
- Experience with:
- Siemens Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
- System requirements tools such as Cameo (Dassault Systèmes) and IBM DOORS
- Familiarity with failure analysis and resolution methodologies, such as FRACAS, 8D, and similar approaches
- Design experience related to aerospace products and systems using comparable industry specifications and standards
- Current, active DoD Secret clearance is highly desirable
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The 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 Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering
- For Level 2: 2 or more years of experience in an engineering organization, preferably Systems Test Engineering; a relevant master's degree may substitute for experience
- For Level 3: 5 or more years of experience in an engineering organization, preferably Systems Test Engineering; alternatively, a relevant master's degree with 3 or more years of experience
- Experience with DoD programs involving product verification and validation, including test planning, test conduct, and test report generation
- Understanding and application of military specifications and standards for requirements verification
- Experience with environmental testing methods and processes
- Experience generating test plans and test reports for customer deliverables, including test data and results
- Strong analytical skills and ability to organize and prioritize work independently
- Ability to travel 25% to 50% for off-site testing
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings using ASME standards and GD&T
- Experience with Siemens Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management
- Experience with Cameo and IBM DOORS requirements tools
- Familiarity with FRACAS, 8D, or similar failure analysis and resolution methods
- Aerospace product and systems design experience
- Current, active DoD 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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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.
