Northrop Grumman

Principal / Sr Principal Systems Field Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman$98K — $148K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 5-8 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree and 3-6 years; equivalent experience may substitute for degree
  • Basic knowledge of radar and/or electronic warfare (EW)
  • Experience with RF test equipment and operation of radar/EW systems
  • Strong communication skills for customer interactions
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel for about 10 months a year
  • Physical capability to work in varied conditions and lift up to 50 lbs
  • U.S. Citizenship and active Secret security clearance required

Responsibilities

  • Provide on-site support with flexible 8-12 hour shifts
  • Deliver support five days a week, requiring 100% travel to Wallops Island, VA
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact on-site
  • Act as a liaison between customer and program activities
  • Perform hands-on integration, testing, and system operations
  • Troubleshoot technical findings and communicate observations
  • Execute detailed test procedures and maintain inventory records

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan options
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
  • Company paid holidays
  • Discretionary bonus opportunities based on performance
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 100% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal or Sr Principal Systems Field Test Engineer for a long term position traveling toWallops Island, VA (up to 90% travel position to this location) —home office based out of the Baltimore, MD.

**Compensation is commensurate with travel through appropriate allowances.**

What You’ll get to Do:

Join our Field Engineering Integration & Test team supporting theSurface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3—an upgrade to the legacy AN/SLQ‑32 system that provides game‑changing, non‑kinetic electronic‑attack capability for the U.S. fleet. This electronic‑attack system delivers a soft‑kill magazine to defeat inbound threats. The role involves system integration and test, installation and checkout, operational maintenance, test‑equipment expertise, software testing, in‑field modifications, troubleshooting, repair, and field‑logistics support. Team members will staff a long‑term position supporting our customer at Wallops Island, VA so must be flexible for shift work and willing to travel.

Expectations/ Responsibilities:

  • Provide on-site support with varying work hours ranging between 8- to12-hour shifts

  • Deliver support five days per week

  • Willing to travel for extended period (10 months in a year) to Wallops Island, VA

  • Serve as the Northrop Grumman primary technical point of contact (TPOC) on-site

  • Act as the liaison between customer site activities and program

  • Hands-on integration, testing, and system operations

  • Troubleshoot and communicate technical findings and observations

  • Execute test procedures

  • Maintain inventory records

  • Generate daily status, weekly summary, and monthly progress reports

This position may be filled as a Principal Systems Field Test Engineer or Sr Principal Systems Field Test Engineer.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Field Test Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree and 5  years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of experience may considered in lieu of degree

  • Basic radar and/or electronic warfare (EW) knowledge

  • Experience operating a radar and/or EW system

  • Experience operating RF test equipment

  • Experience working directly with customers and willing to work at customer facilities with frequent customer contact

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Willing to travel to Wallops Island, VA for extended period (approx.10 months in a year)

  • Physical Requirements –Willing and able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, lift up to 50 lbs, and comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces (e.g., climbing ladders/towers, working in a container office)

  • US Citizenship and a current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance are required

Basic Qualifications for a Sr Principal Systems Field Test Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree and 8  years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 6 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of experience may considered in lieu of degree

  • Basic radar and/or electronic warfare (EW) knowledge

  • Experience operating a radar and/or EW system

  • Experience operating RF test equipment

  • Experience working directly with customers and willing to work at customer facilities with frequent customer contact

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Willing to travel to Wallops Island, VA for extended period (approx.10 months in a year)

  • Physical Requirements –Willing and able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, lift up to 50 lbs, and comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces (e.g., climbing ladders/towers, working in a container office)

  • US Citizenship and a current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance are required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or STEM discipline preferred

  • Military training and experience, or experience working at a government test facility

  • Documenting and communicating technical issues observed in field

  • RF and digital signal processing

  • System integration and test

  • Linux and MS Windows operating system administration

  • Ability and interest in learning the newest technologies

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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