RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking Principal Field Engineer. This position is in Promontory, UT and supports the Sentinel program.
The Principal Field Engineer supports Sentinel Systems Test Team by planning, leading, and executing field integration and test activities at ranges and customer sites. This role blends hands-on equipment/vehicle operations (installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, modification, transport, roll-transfer, and stage-handling support) with engineering leadership including procedure development, test planning, acting as Test Conductor, and verification/validation of system performance.
Key Responsibilities
• Plan, develop, and maintain field procedures, work instructions, and checklists for Sentinel deployment operations (installation, roll-transfer, stage transportation/handling, AVE emplacement/retrieval, and equipment maintenance).
• Develop test plans and test procedures; lead test execution as Test Conductor, including pre-briefs/debriefs, as-run documentation, anomaly tracking, and coordination with range safety/test leadership.
• Perform hands-on installation, configuration, upgrade, removal, and fielding of Sentinel systems, roll-transfer hardware, stage transportation fixtures, AVE emplacement equipment, and integrated subsystems.
• Lead integration and readiness activities: verify configuration, validate interfaces, confirm equipment status, and ensure all prerequisites are met for safe operations and testing.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and controls elements; perform root-cause analysis and verify corrective actions through re-test/inspection.
• Coordinate field engineering changes and configuration control: implement approved updates, generate redlines/as-builts, and validate performance after incorporation.
• Execute/oversee roll-transfer and stage-handling operations using carts/rails/hoists/alignment tools; ensure precise and safe movement under approved procedures.
• Support loading, securement, transport, and offload of missile stages and related hardware using heavy equipment while ensuring compliance with handling, lifting, and transport requirements.
• Maintain strong communications with customer representatives, range safety officers, test directors, and operations teams regarding status, risks, constraints, and anomalies.
• Provide on-site technical guidance and training to technicians/operators/customer support personnel on procedures, safe equipment operation, and test execution discipline.
• Produce and maintain required documentation (test reports, maintenance logs, discrepancy/anomaly reports, configuration records, transport manifests, and chain-of-custody documentation).
• Operate and/or oversee operation of large vehicles and heavy equipment in compliance with range safety protocols, including required pre-checks and securement practices.
Position Benefits:
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
Basic Qualifications
• 5 Years with Bachelors ; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD or 4 additional years in lieu of a degree
• Experience planning/executing field operations or test activities for complex systems (integration, verification, troubleshooting, documentation discipline).
• Demonstrated ability to author or maintain procedures and work instructions and to lead execution to those procedures.
• Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, and technical documentation; strong troubleshooting and verification mindset.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead multi-organization field activities in safety-critical environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate/ride in large vehicles/heavy equipment per site requirements.
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD security clearance within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience with Sentinel or similar defense/aerospace deployment programs and/or test range operations.
• Experience acting as Test Conductor or equivalent lead role (planning, execution control, as-run logs, anomaly management).
• Experience working with explosives
• Qualifications/certifications such as forklift, crane/rigging, aerial lift, fall protection, CDL, or similar.
Primary Level Salary Range: $81,400.00 - $122,000.00
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.
