Senior Principal Systems Test Lead
Northrop Grumman · Redondo Beach
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.
Job 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.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
What We Offer:
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, and a great 401K matching program.