Systems Test Engineer or a Principal systems test engineer.

Posted 9 Days Ago
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Palmdale, CA, USA
In-Office
83K-155K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Performs structural testing of aerospace components and full-scale flight hardware, including requirements derivation, fixture design, test setup, planning, execution, readiness reviews, instrumentation, data acquisition, troubleshooting, and reporting. The role requires mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and computer engineering knowledge, along with AutoCAD or NX drafting and collaboration across technical teams. Work is fully onsite in Palmdale, California, requires multiple shifts, and involves classified testing with an active Secret clearance.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Systems Test Engineer or Principal Systems Test Engineer to join our Full-scale Structures Test (FST) team within our Palmdale Test Team. The FST performs all structural testing, both static and fatigue, ranging from component level to full scale article on both R&D and flight hardware. This role is in Palmdale, CA.

Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. This is an individual contributor role that can be filled at either level.

Candidates will apply their electrical, mechanical, and computer skills to this job. They should possess a background in requirements derivation, process adherence, test fixture design/update, test setup, test planning, and PDR/CDR/TRR. While collaborating with various disciplines and different levels of personnel throughout all phases of structural testing toward a collective objective. They must exhibit excellent communication skills and exceptional abilities to work well within a diverse team. Functional performance includes a unique role that requires the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic facets involved with all testing functions interchangeably. Candidates must also have familiarity with operating and the basic concepts pertaining to data acquisition and load control hardware, as well as related instrumentation such as: LVDTs, Strain Gages, String Pots, and Load Cells.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•             Test Lifecycle Management - requirements derivation, Fixture Design/update, Fixture procurement and fabrication, test setup integration, test planning, support test readiness reviews, test execution and test reporting.

•             Contributes to the development, fabrication and assembly of mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and systems. 

•             Work with state of the art, load control and data acquisition systems to execute testing containing hundreds of load/position/pressure control channels while acquiring feedback /data from thousands of sensors.

•             Plan and arrange for the equipment and personnel required to fulfill test requirements.

•             Participate and/or present in formal readiness reviews throughout all phases of testing.

•             Participate in post-test data evaluation, test inspections, issue identification, and resolutions.

•             Set up, install, and troubleshoot all types of instrumentation that supports test activity and understand their associated functional concepts.

•             Creating 2D/3D drawings in AutoCAD and/or NX

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 shift

Basic Qualifications for T02:

•             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)

Basic Qualifications for T03:

•             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.

Basic Qualifications for T02/T03:

•             Must have an active DoD Secret clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

•             Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

•             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.

•             Must have experience in Visio, AutoCAD, CATIA and/or NX.

Preferred Qualifications:

•             Current Program SAP Access (T1).

•             Experience with Structures Test and operating control & data acquisition hardware, as well as a solid grasp of related instrumentation such as LVDTs, strain gauges, string pots, and load cells.

•             Experience in mechanical assembly & test, analog electronics, transducers, strain gage design & installation.

•             Hands-on skill application in servo valves, pneumatic/hydraulic system design, set up, and checkout.

•             Proficiency with MATLAB, LabView, and VBA programming/scripting.

We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive environment! We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation-- building the next generation of sophisticated products to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well known for our inclusive, family environment, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits, a 9/80 schedule, and a great 401K matching program.

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,500.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of engineering experience, or a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline for the T02 level.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of engineering experience, or a Master of Science degree and 3 years of engineering experience, or a PhD and 1 year of engineering experience for the T03 level.
  • Active DoD Secret clearance or higher, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance.
  • Proficiency with mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical engineering concepts.
  • Ability and willingness to work multiple shifts, non-standard shifts, and overtime.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and/or PowerPoint.
  • Experience with Visio, AutoCAD, CATIA, and/or NX.
  • Experience with structures testing and control and data acquisition hardware and instrumentation.
  • Current Program SAP Access.
  • Experience in mechanical assembly and testing, analog electronics, transducers, and strain gauge design and installation.
  • Hands-on experience with servo valves and pneumatic or hydraulic system design, setup, and checkout.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, LabVIEW, and VBA programming or scripting.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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