Engineer/Principal Engineer (Level 2/3)
About The Position
Northrop Grumman Space Systems’ Western Region Manufacturing and Operations, Mechanical & Environmental Test Engineering Department, Specialty Test Team in Redondo Beach, California, is seeking an experienced Engineer/Principal Engineer at Level 2 or Level 3. The team supports air and space builds from research and development testing through launch operations across structural testing, measurements and instrumentation, alignments, and hazardous operations/ordnance. The selected candidate will primarily support the Alignments and Ordnance teams, with potential to cross-train in other specialties as part of long-term support and career development. The role requires applying electrical, mechanical, and computer skills across testing functions. Work includes test planning; hardware and instrumentation design; test setup and operation; troubleshooting; data reduction; and preparation and presentation of test reports. The candidate will collaborate with people across disciplines and experience levels, complete statements of work with relatively minimal supervision, and document work thoroughly. The position’s standard schedule is 9/80: nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, with every other Friday off. Travel is listed as 10% of the time. Relocation assistance is not available. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top Secret clearance and program special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company.
Requirements
- Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a STEM master’s degree and 0 years of experience.
- Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a STEM master’s degree and 3 years of experience.
- Exposure to structural or flight testing, or to integration or R&D environments.
- Familiarity with Mechanical Engineering, Assembly and Test Operations department standard operating procedures and policies.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top Secret clearance and program special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; ability to adapt to and learn new skills, software, and operations quickly, and document work thoroughly.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and personnel at different levels.
- Ability to complete statements of work with relatively minimal oversight or supervision.
- Proficiency in both electrical and mechanical aspects of testing functions.
Nice To Haves
- At least 3 years of direct hands-on experience in integration and test environments.
- Experience with structures testing, load control, and data acquisition systems.
- Experience in mechanical assembly and test, analog electronics, transducers, and strain-gage design and installation.
- Hands-on experience with pneumatic or hydraulic system design, setup, and checkout.
- Ability to assess complex anomalies, apply critical-thinking skills, and develop resolutions effectively within a team.
- Willingness to work a dynamic schedule, such as second shift or weekends (Extended Work Week).
- Willingness to travel up to 25%.
- Interest and experience in both Test Engineering and Test Operations, including hands-on hardware installation, 2D/3D drawing, and procedure generation.
- Ability to work in elevated and confined spaces.
- Experience with laser tracking or photogrammetry systems.
- Knowledge of deployment devices, pyrotechnic applications, pressurized gas applications, contamination issues, fluid mechanics, and electrical integration; basic troubleshooting skills and ability to operate test equipment such as a pulse generator and oscilloscope.
- Exposure to general hazmat training, including Shipper/Driver Training (49 CFR Subpart H).
- Exposure to an Ammunition & Explosive Safety Course.
- Active Secret or Top Secret and SCI clearance.
Responsibilities
- Set up, program, operate, and maintain load control and data acquisition systems.
- Plan and arrange the equipment and personnel needed to meet test requirements.
- Contribute to the development, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical and electromechanical components, subassemblies, systems, and test stands.
- Participate in formal readiness reviews throughout all phases of testing.
- Participate in post-test data evaluation, issue identification, and resolution.
- Perform test planning, hardware and instrumentation design, test setup and operation, troubleshooting, data reduction, and test report preparation and presentation.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k)
- Educational assistance
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance programs and work/life solutions
- Paid time off
- Health and wellness resources
- Employee discounts
- Disability insurance
- Company-paid holidays
- Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position and eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
