Principal / Sr. Principal Specialty Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Plymouth, MN

2d•$98,900 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Test Engineer to support our Armament Systems site in Plymouth, MN. This can be filled at the principal (Level 3) or sr. principal (level 4) depending on experience. This site develops and produces medium and large-caliber ammunition as well as precision capabilities for direct and indirect fire systems. Leading the industry, this team successfully completes lifecycle support for medium-caliber cannons, develops miniature, precision strike weapons for airborne platforms, creates survivability solutions for soldiers and the next generation tactical ammunition for a variety of combat platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent discipline
Principal (Level 3): 5 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment, OR a Masters degree & 3 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment
Sr. Principal Test Engineer (Level 4): 8 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment (ATE). Or master’s degree plus 6 years of experience; or PhD plus 4 yrs of experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain government secret clearance after starting employment (US citizenship required)
Experience as Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineer oriented to hardware.
Proven Experience in programming languages.
1-2 years of experience in LabVIEW.
Read/understand schematics, understand embedded software and communication protocols.
Digital and Analog Electronics experience to design circuitry for signal conditioning and isolation.
Knowledge in Electrical and Functional Testers with: Interfaces, Pneumatic Systems, Communication protocols, PXI and GPIB instruments test platforms.
Work on-site with flexible work arrangement.
Able to travel 10% of time (domestic).
Solid communication skills and ability to clearly establish verbal communication with remote audience.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
Excellent problem-solving skills, team-oriented, self-motivated, leadership.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional team members.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment that is fast paced, rapidly changing, short turn-around environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering is highly desired.
Experience with high-volume device assembly and PCB fabrication practices.
Experience designing test fixtures and product testing under high and low temperature extremes.
LabVIEW, Python or C++ and OOP experience.
Experience with ICT testing and fixture development is a plus (Keysight i3070 preferable).
Green belt or experience in the use of Six Sigma tools: DOE, R&R, MSE, DFSS is preferred.
PWB layout and design experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure product quality by creating production test equipment for military/aerospace products. Includes programming, debugging, and deploying into production equipment that adjusts, calibrates and certifies device specifications.
Design, develop, and implement cost-effective methods of testing for Design Verification (DVT).
Maintain and update test equipment supporting functional board level and final acceptance testers. Support production floor test equipment.
Understand the functionality of several products to reduce test time or suggest additional tests. Co-lead design reviews and design for testability.
Assist with fixture fabrication and ordering of parts and managing suppliers.
Prepare test and diagnostic programs, design test fixtures, instrument racks and equipment.
Compile data and define changes required in test equipment, test procedures, manufacturing processes, or test requirements.
Function as liaison between Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure that innovative new product designs can be manufactured cost effectively with high quality. Perform Design for Testability and coverage analysis.
Understand customer requirements documentation and translate to test cases for DVT and production test.