Northrop Grumman

Sr. Principal Test Engineer - Lab Manager

Northrop Grumman$123K — $185K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8 years experience with a Bachelor's, 6 years with a Master's, or 4 years with a PhD; additional experience may substitute for degree requirements.
  • Active US Government Top Secret Clearance or higher and SAP clearance required before starting.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with different business units and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Minimum 8 years of radar-system support and development experience, including hands-on work with radar technology.
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Logistics team to procure tooling and equipment.
  • Receive and distribute materials; monitor Jira tickets for movements.
  • Maintain inventory levels and reorder materials as needed.
  • Track and document purchase orders based on funding sources.
  • Direct day-to-day lab operations to meet schedule and quality goals.
  • Act as Safety liaison to conduct inspections and manage special-material storage.
  • Monitor and execute lab workspace configuration changes based on requests.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance offered.
  • Savings plan available for employees.
  • Company paid holidays and PTO for vacation and personal business.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman is seeking a qualified and experienced Sr. Principal Test Engineer Lab Manager to join Tactical Fighters Business Unit in Baltimore, MD. The candidate should have a very strong knowledge in integration and test, troubleshooting, manufacturing, SAP, calibration, and procurement. The position is responsible for coordinating with all engineering disciplines and operations teams to meet program, integration test schedules, and budget. This position will work within a team environment consisting of engineering, program management, production, and supporting staff. The ideal candidate will have strong teambuilding skills and exhibit comprehensive verbal and written communication/presentation skills. This position would be based in Baltimore, MD, which requires being onsite, and does not support remote or hybrid work.

Typical Responsibilities:
  • Partner with the Logistics team to procure tooling, equipment, consumables, and capital assets for system benches and PME.
  • Receive, verify, and distribute incoming materials; monitor Jira tickets and schedule movements with material handlers.
  • Maintain consumable inventory levels; reorder materials using approved procurement methods.
  • Track all purchase orders and document ownership based on funding sources.
  • Maintain hardware trackers for PME and lab-based test assets; perform routine inventory and maintain hardware trackers for PME, lab-based assets, capital assets, GFE, and BFE.
  • Manage entry/exit requests for equipment with Cybersecurity.
  • Coordinate with Security for escorts and access control.
  • Serve as custodian for test equipment; monitor calibration due dates, coordinate sanitization, and arrange calibration depot services.
  • Oversee spare and turn-in equipment, ensuring timely back-fill and return to labs.
  • Maintain secure storage safes, update combinations with security, and provide access to authorized personnel.
  • Lead program shipping efforts: develop shipping plans, create packing lists, and coordinate crate construction.
  • Work with Shipping Office and external transportation providers to meet program timelines and security requirements.
  • Generate shipping transactions and manage escort support for equipment moves.
  • Direct day-to-day lab operations, aligning resources with Program Management, Systems, SEIT, I&T/IPT, Software, and TDE leadership to meet schedule and quality goals.
  • Conduct facilities surveys; communicate lab status, security, utility, and growth requirements to Facilities Engineering.
  • Coordinate setup/tear-down of specialized test fixtures, document configurations, and produce as-built drawings for future use.
  • Act as Safety liaison to Environmental Health, Safety, and Fire Protection; conduct periodic inspections, enforce housekeeping, and manage special-material storage.
  • Enforce Northrop Grumman, customer, and federal audit policies; perform daily ESD/FOD/safety sweeps and corrective actions.
  • Manage compliance training records for program contributors in the LX system (ESD, FOD, KeyPoint, HAZCOM, etc.) and ensure all lab users maintain current certifications.
  • Track all program, corporate, and customer-owned property; interface with Property Management for accountability.
  • Monitor and execute configuration changes to lab workspaces per user requests; assess impact and communicate updates to programs.
  • Oversee laboratory industrial waste handling as required by program needs and regulatory guidelines.
  • Monitor rental agreements for equipment and facilities; submit updates and ensure contract compliance.
  • Oversee the PAO cooling cart program; maintain compliance with M&P and MTC directives.
  • The selected candidates will perform in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings. The selected candidates are expected to be technically savvy, self-motivated, self-starter, highly organized, detail oriented, and possess effective verbal and written communication skills.


Basic Qualifications:
  • 8 years experience with a Bachelors; 6 years experience with Masters; 4 Years with a PhD. 4 years of additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Active US Government Top Secret Clearance or higher and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance is required prior to start
  • Proven ability to collaborate with business units and divisions and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Minimum 8 years of radar-system support and development, including hands-on work with Common Radar Module (CRM) standard, receiver/exciter, processor, ground/airborne radars, manufacturing, operations and systems engineering.
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Baltimore, MD.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8 + years of engineering experience focused on laboratory operations, test-equipment management, and logistics coordination.
  • Expertise in integration, test, reliability, and endurance testing of radar systems.
  • Direct experience coordinating procurement, receipt, storage, and distribution of tooling, consumables, and capital equipment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of producing clear shipping plans, inventory reports, and facility-status briefs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with multiple engineering specialties, cross-functional teams, and external suppliers.


This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of Top Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start

Primary 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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