Systems Test Engineer/ Principal System Test Engineer

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

About the role

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 (NGAS) has an exciting career opportunity for a Systems Test Engineer/ Principal System Test Engineer to join the Ground Segment team of qualified, diverse individuals in support of the MQ-4C Triton program test activities. This position will be located at NAS (Naval Air Station) Patuxent River, MD.

The Triton – MQ-4C ITT (Integrated & Test Team) is a US Navy & Northrop Grumman combined test team working together to ensure future capabilities are tested and evaluated in an efficient manner. The selected candidate will perform a variety of data collection and technical support services on the Triton Air vehicle and Ground Control Stations; and support the research and procurement of MQ-4C unmanned air vehicle components in direct support of life cycle sustainment.

Responsibilities include

• Interfacing with NGAS and customer Flight Test Engineers, Flight Test Conductors, Flight Crews, Ground Operations Technicians, and software development.
• Interface between the US Navy and Northrop Grumman Ground Segment System Administrators, Responsible Engineers, Network Engineers, and Flight Test Engineers.

Essential Functions

• Will act as a System Test Engineer, reporting to the PAX Triton ITT Ground Segment Manager for all ground segment related engineer testing, troubleshooting, and evaluation.
• Responsible for engineering test execution/evaluation of system functional requirements to include Detailed Test Requirements, Acceptance Test Procedures, Request For Test (RFTs), and ground/flight test events.
• Interface with multidiscipline team in the evaluation of new engineering modifications.
• Provide engineering support for computing system deficiencies requiring team interaction with network, software, system engineers, systems administrators, and aircrew personnel.
• Provide engineering level evaluation and reach back support for Triton Program Ground Segments as needed.
• Provides analysis/feedback during engineering modification, maintenance, and ad hoc test planning.
• Prepares Test Variances and Test Worksheets in accordance with engineering direction.
• Responsible for providing engineering adjudication for Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals.
• Develops strategies/improvements for test efficiency.
• The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels.
• The selected candidate will need either to be located at NAS Patuxent River or be willing to relocate to the NAS Patuxent River area.
• Up to 25% of travel to support business needs in our CONUS and OCUNUS locations.

*This position may be filled at either level depending on experience*

Basic Qualifications for System Test Engineer

• A Bachelors Degree in a STEM discipline with 2 years of experience; or a STEM Master's degree with 0 years of experience

Basic Qualifications for Principal System Test Engineer

• A Bachelors Degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of experience or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience.

Basic Qualifications for Both Levels

• Must have an active U.S Government Secret clearance that is in-scope or currently enrolled in CE, with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time to meet business needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active CI Polygraph within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access within a reasonable amount of time for business needs
• Experience with Windows and Linux Operating Systems
• Ability to work odd shifts and occasional overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI/CI Poly clearance
• Experience testing and evaluating computing systems in a networked environment
• Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP or similar security certification
• Windows/Linux domain architecture experience
• Windows AD, LDAP, VMWare, and knowledge of SAN storage systems
• Rudimentary Scripting experience
• Familiarity with XML, Java, C, and C#
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and oral format.

Primary Level Salary Range

$91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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.