Senior Principal Systems Test Lead

Northrop Grumman•San Diego, CA

8d•$129,300 - $193,900•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible. Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Senior Principal Systems Test Lead to join the team of qualified individuals on our Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) Organization. This role is located onsite in primarily in Rancho Bernardo, CA and will require support for ground and flight tests in Mojave, Ca. The Vanquish Program requires a Test Engineer to fill the role of the program Test Lead responsible for all facets of the Vanquish test program, including lab and flight test staffing, planning, execution and reporting. This position requires a highly motivated and self-starting individual with relevant test operations experience, who will be willing to support Vanquish test activities in the System Integration Lab (SIL).The Vanquish Test Lead will orchestrate lab, ground and flight integration and developmental testing for NGAS. The lead is responsible for ensuring engineering tests serve mission objectives and mechanisms are in place to execute the tests. The lead reviews status of test requirements, manages schedules, and prepares reports.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Science in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience
Relevant experience to include a background in System Test experience, lab, ground/flight test.
Prior experience leading projects or teams.
Demonstrated understanding of program risk, opportunity and issue management process
Ability to work flexible changing shifts based on the business need.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Nice To Haves

Excellent organizational and written communication skills, as well as project management planning and presentation skills
Proficient with MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word
Demonstrated ability to create trusted relationships
Experience with Jira and Confluence tools
Prior CAM and Earned Value Management experience
Experience working with International customers

Responsibilities

Identify all test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans.
Coordinate with ground test engineering and operations, aircraft modifications for testing.
Frequent interaction with Engineering at Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Mojave, and ensuring cost and schedule performance targets are met.
Provide program leadership for test site employees and provide timely resource forecasts to program management, assuring that proper staffing is in place to execute the Test Statement of Work.
Excellent communication skills, experience leading test engineering personnel, and be capable of working in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance.
May be required to support extended shifts, occasional weekends, and holidays as required to maintain program schedule.

Benefits

Relocation assistance may be available
flexible work arrangements
9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
phenomenal learning opportunities
exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
very friendly team environment
exceptional benefits/healthcare
great 401K matching program
health insurance coverage
life and disability insurance
savings plan
Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business