Test Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
• CLEARANCE TYPE: None
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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's Space Sector is seeking a Test Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3 to join our MEP Team in San Diego, California. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense, and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures.

As a Test Engineer you will support the Static Load Test functions within the Test Lab. As a member of the Test Engineering functional group, you will perform physical and mechanical verification of spaceflight hardware fabricated for aerospace applications. You will define test parameters, execute testing, compile test data, and identify changes needed in test equipment, test procedures, manufacturing processes, or new test requirements.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following

• Create test plans and procedures based on customer requirements and/or program team direction.
• Provide support and oversight to the test laboratory and technicians, ensuring all required procedures and processes are followed accurately and consistently.
• Collaborate with Design and Tooling engineering to create test fixture designs and model test setups electronically.
• Plan and coordinate the labor, schedule, and equipment required for testing and evaluating standard and special devices.
• Oversee assembly and validation of test fixtures and test setups. Perform physical and/or static load tests and document into customer deliverable reports.
• Participate in and present at internal and external (customer) test readiness reviews (TRRs), including preparation of presentation materials.
• Communicate with internal management and customers during Test execution.
• Support continuous improvement and lean initiative tasks, including current state process definition, identification of non-value added activity, and future state planning.

Basic Qualifications For Level 2

• Bachelors degree in STEM with 2 years of experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience and familiarity with the behavior of space composite materials, adhesives, and construction.
• Experience handling and testing hardware. Experience with test instrumentation (strain, load, temperature) and electronic data acquisition, including test troubleshooting.
• Ability to interpret and understand specifications, statements of work (SOWs), and drawings. Demonstrated ability to convert customer defined requirements into clear, written procedures.
• Strong problem solving skills, including mechanical aptitude, the ability to multitask, and the ability to prioritize work.
• US Citizenship

Basic Qualification for Level 3

• Bachelors degree in STEM with 5 years of experience within aerospace industry; OR Masters degree in STEM with 2 years of experience within aerospace industry.
• US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Instron/MTS load frames, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and interlaminar fracture (IMF) testing.
• Experience leading root cause corrective action (RCCA) investigations.
• Experience with CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners.
• Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly).
• Ability to work flexible hours, overtime, and weekends as needed based on manufacturing schedules.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

• Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck.
• We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life.
• For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

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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.