Engineer/Principal Systems Test (STE)- Payloads/ DATA/ Comms

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a System Test Engineer (STE) Payloads/ DATA/ Comms to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within the NASA Sky Range program is looking for a to support payload testing based at the NASA Armstrong facility. This position will be on site and located at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

This role supports the RQ-4 Range Hawk UAV within the Sky Range program at NASA. The role blends data‑operations duties—monitoring and troubleshooting data links, managing payload power cycles, and delivering post‑flight data to sensor teams—with Satcom development, including design, outdoor bench testing, and configuration of terminal and aircraft network settings. Responsibilities also cover payload integration (SIL bench tests, NASDAT simulator flows, plane‑side power support, Iridium server setup, and CST coordination) and ground‑station support (Linux server installation, VoIP maintenance, software/OS upgrades, and firewall configuration). Travel up to 25 % may be required. A successful applicant will demonstrate knowledge of aircraft subsystem design, test data requirements, and test methodologies used in the aerospace industry. We seek a proactive and adaptable candidate who thrives in a dynamic environment, embraces diverse challenges, and values teamwork at all levels.

Key Responsibilities:

The selected candidate should have a computer background with the ability to support the following functions.

• Data Operator: Monitor data link status during flight, support pre-flight and post-flight activities, troubleshoot C2/payload data link and networking issues, coordinate the power-up and power-down of payloads, and distribute post-flight data to sensor teams. 
• Satcom Development: Design and test network solutions, conduct outdoor Satcom bench testing, configure terminal settings, and configure aircraft network settings. 
• Payload Integration: Support payload sensor integration including conducting SIL bench testing, NASDAT simulator dataflow testing, plane-side power support, coordinating test activities, Iridium server configuration, and support CSTs.
• Payload Ground Station Equipment: Maintain and support the installation of Linux servers, maintain VoIP audio equipment, perform software/OS upgrades, and configure network firewalls.
• Interface/communicate with multiple levels of Leadership, Customers, and Suppliers.
• Work on large, interdisciplinary teams

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 B work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, and 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.

This requisition may be filled at a Systems Test Engineer (Level 2) OR Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3) level based on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications Level 2:

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline with 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related related engineering experience.
• Related experience could include but not limited to developmental test experience, flight test, avionics, and/or aviation experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance.
• The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
• Ability to traverse aircraft/ground station and operate in flightline/hangar environment to include: tooling, stands, ladders, steps etc. while wearing appropriate PPE, occasionally enter confined spaces
• Ability to travel 25% as the business needs.

Basic Qualifications Level 3:

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience OR a PhD in STEM with 1 years of related engineering experience
• Related experience could include but not limited to developmental test experience, flight test, avionics, and/or aviation experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance.
• The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.
• Ability to traverse aircraft/ground station and operate in flightline/hangar environment to include: tooling, stands, ladders, steps etc. while wearing appropriate PPE, occasionally enter confined spaces
• Ability to travel 25% as the business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Programming (ex. JAVA, C++, Linux)
• Previous experience with large UAVs such as RQ-4 MQ-4, MQ-1, MQ-9
• Related experience in project/program management
• Experience with aircraft flight test, mission systems, and Payload data collection 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
• Proven knowledge of computer and computer operating systems 
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation

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!

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

The 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.