Northrop Grumman is in need of a Test Engineer to work with the Energetics Manufacturing team at its Elkton, Maryland facility.
Northrop Grumman Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) facility in Elkton, Maryland began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the Elkton PS&C facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems in programs professionally managed for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Elkton, Maryland is located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Discover charming small towns, parks with miles of trails, specialty and antique shops, award winning restaurants, and inns. You can hike, bike, camp, bird watch, ride horseback, or drop a fishing line. Five rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the C&D Canal can be explored by boat or by land. Experience panoramic views from Turkey Point Lighthouse on a bluff overlooking the Bay, or from the banks of the C&D Canal where ships from around the globe cruise. https://www.ccgov.org/government/tourism
As a Test Engineer, develop environmental, structural, dynamic, and static test processes for aerospace components including; rocket motors, rocket motor components, and rocket motor initiation systems using customer specifications, engineering drawings, test plans and other documentation as applicable.
- The test preparation process includes review of requirements, development and coordination of safety protocols, design and integration of support equipment, and documenting the test process.
- The test engineer is responsible for: selection and integration of test instrumentation and data acquisition systems, development of ordnance initiation process, training test technicians, training and supporting other test engineers, troubleshooting test anomalies, and review of test data.
- Test engineers work closely with the Safety and Hazards Analysis departments and support cross functional teams in designing and setting up energetic test processes.
- Test engineers must have demonstrated ability to manage complex test projects and be non-compromising with regards to safety even when working under pressure.
- Test engineers must be comfortable presenting technical data to internal/external customers, suppliers, and vendors.
- Test engineers spend time in test facilities (including at offsite customers) developing solutions to a variety of complex testing challenges.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in STEM plus at least 2 years of related experience. Will consider those with a masters degree in STEM and 0 or more years of experience.
- Must be disciplined to follow detailed instructions and comply with procedures.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to create clear and understandable planning for operators.
- Detail oriented but able to understand the big picture.
- Have a working knowledge of test instrumentation and data systems.
- Must be able to qualify for a Department of Defense security clearance, which US citizenship is a pre-requisite.
- Must be able to qualify for an Alcohol Tobacco and Firearm (ATF) “Explosives Possessor” designation.
Preferred Qualified:
- Ability to create/modify simple sketches in CAD or related software for planning sketches.
- Working Knowledge of Dewesoft DAQ software and hardware
- Ability to create Graphical User Interfaces (front end dev)
- Experience structuring data and writing queries in relational databases (back end development)
- Experience with Object oriented programming languages – C# and Python preferred
- Experience running queries in a relational database using an Object-Oriented Programming Language
- Strong documentation skills
- Active security clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The 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 STEM and at least 2 years of related experience
- Master’s degree in STEM may substitute for the bachelor’s degree and experience requirement
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and comply with procedures
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Detail orientation with ability to understand the broader context
- Working knowledge of test instrumentation and data systems
- Ability to qualify for a Department of Defense security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to qualify for an ATF Explosives Possessor designation
- Ability to create or modify simple CAD sketches
- Working knowledge of Dewesoft DAQ software and hardware
- Ability to create graphical user interfaces and perform front-end development
- Experience structuring data and writing relational database queries
- Experience with object-oriented programming languages, preferably C# and Python
- Experience running relational database queries using an object-oriented programming language
- Strong documentation skills
- Active security 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.









