Test Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman•San Diego, CA

2d•$83,400 - $155,400•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Test Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3 to join our MEP Team in San Diego, California. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense, and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures. As a Test Engineer you will support the Static Load Test functions within the Test Lab. As a member of the Test Engineering functional group, you will perform physical and mechanical verification of spaceflight hardware fabricated for aerospace applications. You will define test parameters, execute testing, compile test data, and identify changes needed in test equipment, test procedures, manufacturing processes, or new test requirements.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in STEM with 2 years of experience in the aerospace industry (for Level 2).
Bachelors degree in STEM with 5 years of experience within aerospace industry; OR Masters degree in STEM with 2 years of experience within aerospace industry (for Level 3).
Experience and familiarity with the behavior of space composite materials, adhesives, and construction.
Experience handling and testing hardware.
Experience with test instrumentation (strain, load, temperature) and electronic data acquisition, including test troubleshooting.
Ability to interpret and understand specifications, statements of work (SOWs), and drawings.
Demonstrated ability to convert customer defined requirements into clear, written procedures.
Strong problem solving skills, including mechanical aptitude, the ability to multitask, and the ability to prioritize work.
US Citizenship

Nice To Haves

Experience with Instron/MTS load frames, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and interlaminar fracture (IMF) testing.
Experience leading root cause corrective action (RCCA) investigations.
Experience with CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
Experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners.
Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly).
Ability to work flexible hours, overtime, and weekends as needed based on manufacturing schedules.
Active U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Create test plans and procedures based on customer requirements and/or program team direction.
Collaborate with Design and Tooling engineering to create test fixture designs and model test setups electronically.
Plan and coordinate the labor, schedule, and equipment required for testing and evaluating standard and special devices.
Oversee assembly and validation of test fixtures and test setups. Perform physical and/or static load tests and document into customer deliverable reports.
Participate in and present at internal and external (customer) test readiness reviews (TRRs), including preparation of presentation materials.
Communicate with internal management and customers during Test execution.
Support continuous improvement and lean initiative tasks, including current state process definition, identification of non-value added activity, and future state planning.