Sr. Principal Systems Engineer – Communications Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Baltimore, MD

4d•$135,800 - $203,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems' Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) division is seeking a Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Communications Test Engineer in Baltimore, MD. This role involves leading acceptance test execution, facilitating team development, performing technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis, managing defect tracking and configuration, supporting production and process improvement, leading cross-functional teams, and engaging in system integration and field support. The position requires a strong understanding of system-level acceptance tests, hardware, firmware, and software integration, as well as experience with defect tracking and configuration management tools. The engineer will also be responsible for compiling and analyzing test data, producing status reports, and presenting technical recommendations to leadership and customers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or equivalent experience; 8 + years of relevant engineering experience; 6 years of experience with a Masters; or 4 years of experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree
US Citizenship required
Active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start is required.
Experience supporting radar, RF, electronic warfare (EW), or other mission system programs; familiarity with sensor hardware capabilities and integration/testing of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.
Proficiency with SAP Quality Notifications (QNs); experience with acceptance test execution, hardware selloff processes, and defect tracking/configuration management tools.
Experience using MATLAB for data analysis and performing root cause investigations.
Ability to work onsite in Baltimore, MD

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a STEM field.
Active DoD Top Secret clearance or higher.
Proven ability to produce publication quality documentation and lead formal technical reviews.

Responsibilities

Lead Acceptance Test Execution – Plan, schedule, and execute system level acceptance tests; maintain the System ATP plan and procedures; ensure resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, test assets) are available and aligned with production build plans and program milestones.
Facilitate Team Development – Provide training for System ATP execution engineers and mentor a growing test team.
Technical Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis – Direct cross disciplinary investigations (hardware, firmware, software); determine corrective actions, verify effectiveness, and document results.
Defect Tracking & Configuration Management – Generate and manage Quality Notifications (QNs) in SAP; maintain accurate records of test results, failure investigations, and hardware traceability.
Production Support & Process Improvement – Mature acceptance test processes for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP); drive test efficiency, repeatability, and automation; develop metrics, dashboards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Cross Functional Leadership – Act as the primary interface for Production Program Managers, Technical Leadership (Chief Engineer, System Architect, SEIT Lead), Integration & Test SMEs, and Quality/Mission Assurance.
Data Review & Reporting – Compile and analyze test data packages; lead formal data reviews; produce status reports on hardware readiness, defect trends, and test execution; present concise technical recommendations to senior leadership and customers.
Engage in System Integration & Field Support – Support integration and test activities; provide field support as needed.