Sr Principal Ground Test Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 27, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 12, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores B on the Alion truth index.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.The Flight Test Operations Team (FTO) is seeking a Senior Principal Ground Test Engineer (GTE) to lead the planning and execution of ground test events at Edwards AFB, CA. The GTE will collaborate with Responsible Engineers (RE) and Systems Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations, and troubleshoot test anomalies.
The Ground Test Engineer will plan and coordinate test operations as an approved test conductor both on and off an active flight line. They will prepare test worksheets, lead engineering briefs, and direct a mixed team of engineers and technicians through ground test events. During launch and recovery operations, the GTE serves as the operational link between maintenance, engineering, mission control, and the pilots.
The selected candidate will:
- Develop and execute ground test procedures and support active flight line testing
- Conduct preflight and postflight power on checks
- Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to systems under test
- Provide supervision and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test
- Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and leadership for alternate means of compliance as required
- Coordinate with support organizations in the execution and planning of a developmental test program
- Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives
The selected candidate must be willing and able to work various shifts depending on business needs. This may include a 4x10 schedule (Monday through Thursday) on 1st or 2nd shift, or a 3x10 schedule (Friday through Sunday) on 1st or 2nd shift.
The selected candidate must be willing to support extended hours, shift rotations, weekends, and holidays as needed. The candidate must also be willing to travel domestically to support testing operations.
Basic Qualifications Senior Principal Ground Test Engineer (GTE):
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
- A minimum of 8 years of engineering experience with a BS Degree, 6 years engineering experience with a MS degree in STEM Field, or 4 years with a PhD in STEM Field
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and proven ability to interact with employees and management at all levels
- Must have an Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher
- Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
- Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance
- Active Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience as a Test Engineer or Test Conductor that includes test development, planning, and execution
- Experience in a production test or military aircraft maintenance environment
- Experience leading test teams on an operational flight line
- Capability to comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions
- Proven ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and bring differing perspectives into sound engineering decisions
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,600.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.