Systems Test Engineer (Level 2 or 3)

Northrop Grumman • Plymouth, MN

2d • $79,600 - $148,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is hiring a Systems Test Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3) in Plymouth, Minnesota. The engineer will help verify that advanced weapons and ammunition systems perform as designed in demanding environments. The level will depend on the candidate’s education and relevant experience.

The role translates customer and contractual requirements into system-level test strategies, develops and leads test plans and procedures, coordinates integrated testing, analyzes results, and prepares test and evaluation reports. It includes creating detailed test plans, procedures, and engineering test reports in a Department of Defense environment; applying military specifications and standards; and organizing test activities with Integrated Product Teams. The engineer also interfaces with customers, end users, and business partners.

Additional work includes preparing test documentation packages and checklists, planning and leading Test Readiness Reviews, coordinating with program and engineering stakeholders, developing Master Test Plans and Hardware Utilization Matrices, and potentially managing cost, schedule, and scope as a Control Account Manager. The engineer may also contribute test strategies, estimates, and other content to proposals and bids. Travel of 25%–50% is required to support off-site testing. Relocation assistance may be available. No clearance is required at the start, but the candidate must be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering.
• For Level 2: 2+ years of experience in an engineering organization, preferably Systems Test Engineering; alternatively, a master’s degree in a listed discipline may substitute for the 2 years of experience.
• For Level 3: 5+ years of experience in an engineering organization, preferably Systems Test Engineering; alternatively, a master’s degree in a listed discipline and 3+ years of experience.
• Experience with DoD programs involving product verification and validation, including test planning, test conduct, and test report generation.
• Strong understanding and application of military specifications and standards for requirements verification of advanced weapons, medium and large caliber ammunition, and precision-guided weapons.
• Experience with environmental testing methods and processes, including ballistics, trace, self-destruct, round performance, temperature and humidity testing, transportation vibration, drop shock, thermal, jolt/jumble, salt fog, waterproofing, and electromagnetic environmental effects (E3).
• Experience generating customer-deliverable test plans and reports, including capturing required test data and results.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently and organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to travel 25%–50% for off-site testing activities.
• U.S. citizenship due to security requirements.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings per ASME, including extensive use of GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2009 and related standards.
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
• Experience with system requirements tools such as Cameo (Dassault Systèmes) and IBM DOORS.
• Familiarity with failure analysis and resolution methods such as FRACAS and 8D.
• Design experience related to aerospace products and systems using comparable industry specifications and standards.
• Current, active DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer and contractual requirements into system-level test strategies and solutions balancing technical performance, schedule, and cost.
• Develop and lead execution of test plans, procedures, and schedules for complex systems.
• Coordinate and oversee integrated testing, ensuring test coverage is complete and risks are understood and mitigated.
• Perform system-level technical analysis and prepare test and evaluation reports.
• Review test requirements to assess the completeness and effectiveness of the overall test program.
• Create Detailed Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Engineering Test Reports in a DoD environment.
• Apply relevant military specifications and standards to verify and validate system requirements.
• Plan, organize, communicate, and execute test activities within Integrated Product Teams and follow test engineering practices, company work instructions, and processes.
• Interface with external customers, end users, and business partners as needed.
• Generate test documentation packages, including checklists, and plan and lead Test Readiness Reviews before test events.
• Coordinate with program managers, chief engineers, design and quality engineers, DCMA, and external customers.
• Develop Master Test Plans and Hardware Utilization Matrices.
• Potentially serve as a Control Account Manager for cost, schedule, and scope of engineering and design verification test activities.
• Support proposal and bidding efforts by contributing test strategies, estimates, and content.
• Travel to support off-site testing activities.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus depending on the position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level