Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Test Conductor/ Principal Test Conductor to join the team of qualified individuals. Position is located in San Diego, CA.
Lead the investigation, analysis, planning, design, test, and evaluation of complex systems while driving integration efforts that verify requirements and resolve software and hardware interface challenges. Work side by side with systems, software, and specialty engineers to develop technical solutions, refine test plans and procedures, and support the successful integration and test of mission-critical capabilities. Bring structure to complexity by developing requirements and specifications with MBSE tools and DOORS while contributing to interface documentation, architectural artifacts, and engineering reviews.
Key Responsibilities:
- Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, test, and evaluate systems
- Work in an integrated team environment with other systems, software (SW), and specialty engineers to develop solutions.
- Prepare technical presentations for management and stakeholders and communicate clearly and effectively the technical approaches and findings
- Review Test Plans and Procedures for requirements verification and support system integration and test of complex systems. This includes evaluating integration and test anomalies and assisting disposition and correction of issues
- Address interface and functionality problems between SW components and/or hardware (HW)
- Work with the SW and infrastructure teams to correct or improve capabilities
- Develop requirements for the subsystem and SRS/HRS specifications through use of MBSE tools & DOORS
- Support the development and review of interface documents (ICDs), requirements, Verification Cross Reference Matrix (VCRM), architectural documentation, system engineering estimates, and author and perform formal and informal engineering reviews.
- The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team 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.
*Position may be filled at either level based on the qualifications below*
Basic Qualifications for Level 2:
Must have a High School Diploma and 6 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing, of Bachelor degree AND 2 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing, OR a Master's degree AND 0 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
Must have a High School Diploma and 9 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing, of Bachelor of Science degree AND 5 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing, OR a Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in system testing.
Basic Qualifications for Both Levels:
- Experience in one or more of the following system engineering knowledge areas: technical planning, requirements derivation, functional analysis, timeline analysis, trade studies, cost and risk analysis, interface definition, system design, system integration, verification and validation, supportability, and effectiveness analyses for total systems.
- Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
- Note: SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance SCI
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- Security+ certification
- Experience in DOORS
- Experience with Atlassian tool suite (JIRA, Git, Confluence)
- Experience using SW test automation tools/frameworks
- Experience with Java, C++, or Python
- Experience with MBSE, Architecture development, system design and analysis, and development of metrics
Skills Required
- High school diploma and 6 years of related professional or military experience, including system testing, for Level 2; or bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience; or master's degree and 0 years of related experience.
- High school diploma and 9 years of related professional or military experience, including system testing, for Level 3; or bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience; or master's degree and 3 years of related experience; or Ph.D. and 1 year of related experience.
- Experience in system engineering areas such as technical planning, requirements derivation, functional analysis, trade studies, interface definition, system design, integration, verification and validation, or effectiveness analysis.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance and upgraded SAP/PAR access.
- Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance.
- Current applicable Special Access Program clearance.
- Security+ certification.
- Experience with DOORS.
- Experience with Atlassian tools including JIRA, Git, and Confluence.
- Experience using software test automation tools or frameworks.
- Experience with Java, C++, or Python.
- Experience with MBSE, architecture development, system design and analysis, and metrics development.
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.






