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Principal Engineer Systems Test

Northrop Grumman

On-site
Palmdale, CA
Full-time
Principal
Mid Level
2+ yrs
$83k–$155kPosted 2d ago

Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified August 11, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal Engineer Systems Test — a full-time, based in Palmdale, CA role ($83k–$155k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.

Engineer Systems Test / Principal Engineer Systems Test

Location: United States-California-Palmdale

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 Engineer Systems Test / Principal Engineer Systems Test to join the team of qualified individuals on our Test and Evaluation organization. This role is located onsite in Palmdale, CA.

**This role may be filled at the Base OR Principal level based on the qualifications listed, below**

The successful candidate will perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform analyses at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal.
  • Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.

We offer 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.

Must be willing to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.

Basic Qualifications (Base):

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 0 years of related professional/military experience OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 0 years of related professional/military experience
  • Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) 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
  • Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and other shift assignments as required

Basic Qualifications (Principal):

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 3 years of related professional/military experience OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience
  • Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) 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
  • Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on the business needs, including but not limited to: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and other shift assignments as required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience with aircraft systems testing
  • Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Active Special Program Access (SAP)
  • Experience reading and working to Air Force Technical Orders
  • Experience with aircraft data analysis, using OGP (On Board Test System Ground Processor)
  • Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office Tools.
  • Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00

Secondary 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman?

The estimated salary range for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman is $83,000 - $155,000 USD per year.

What skills are required for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman?

The required skills for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman include: Microsoft 365.

What is the seniority level for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman?

Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman is a Principal / Mid Level level position.

How do I apply for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman?

You can view the full description and apply for Principal Engineer Systems Test at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-engineer-systems-test-principal-engineer-systems-test-f2dpl.