Principal Test Conductor

Space Systems is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Space Systems has an opening for a Principal Test Conductor to join our team of highly qualified and diverse individuals.  This position will be located in Redondo Beach, California.

The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring engineering tests serve mission objectives and that appropriate mechanisms are in place to execute the tests. The person in this role will oversee the operational aspects of engineering tests and serve as a liaison between mechanical/electrical operations and the program, engineering and line management teams. Responsible for overseeing all aspects of tests including: reviewing status of test requirements, management of schedules, selection and supervision of technicians during tests and reporting on progress. The person in this role will also be responsible for developing resolutions to documented procedures in conjunction with Test and Quality Engineering.

The Principal Test Conductor will lead a large team of junior Test Conductors and Engineering Technicians of various skillsets and experience to assemble and test flight hardware at various levels–from sub-system to final system level assembly, including launch operations.  Will lead multiple crews/teams and maintain responsibility for all operations conducted in flight operations areas. Will be required to support anomaly resolution and lead response teams as required to troubleshoot system level issues. Will present applicable data at program and functional reviews. The selected candidate must possess excellent leadership characteristics and consistently model NG Values and Behaviors. Candidates will foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.  Candidate must be able to work collaboratively with other Test Conductors, as well as various disciplines including SV Engineering, Electrical /Mechanical Engineering, Measurements Engineering, Mechanical Ground Systems Engineering, Thermal and Dynamic Test departments. The candidate must be able to work through various challenges to ensure program success and able to reach important milestones. 

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

• 401k

• Educational Assistance

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret clearance required at time of application.

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years of technical experience, OR High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D) plus 9 years of combined technical experience

• Familiarity with blueprint, technical specifications, processes and schematic comprehension in support of assembly, integration and launching of flight hardware components and sub-systems. 

• Must be able to support weekends, 2nd, 3rd shift, and off hours as dictated by program test activities

• Proficiency/Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Ability to travel and support all offsite mission critical milestones. (25% of time)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance (Required on Day 1)

• Minimum of 4 years’ direct experience supporting spacecraft integration and test activities

• Thorough knowledge of Integration and Test floor practices, policies, and procedures with a strong emphasis on personnel and hardware safety

• A comprehensive understanding of Clean Room requirements, Hazardous Operations protocols, and related high bay operational protocols

• Hands-on knowledge and experience with the use of a variety of hand tools and mechanical equipment with the ability to read, interpret, and execute work to mechanical assembly drawings

• Experience demonstrating advanced technical knowledge in manufacturing/integration operations and procedures as it pertains to mechanical assembly and integration with a high attention to detail

• Ability to review and provide feedback on integration procedures and drawings prior to execution on the floor

• The skillset to proactively identify issues and determine the appropriate channels to escalate and collaborate with engineering to determine a path forward

• Advocates for change; promotes and adopts best practices

• Creates an atmosphere of trust and respect while displaying the highest levels of integrity