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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal System Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Java (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Linux, IBM Rational Software, IBM Rational Clearquest, Python (Programming Language), SAP (Applications), Software Engineering, Software Testing Automation Framework, System Testing, Virtual Machines, Scripting, Git, System-level Testing, Atlassian Tools - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=193ad3479c188719 ## About the Role In this role you will own the System Test processes, developing comprehensive test plans and drive the creation and execution of test procedures that validate critical subsystems. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with extensive experience in system-level testing, software and laboratory architecture, and agile methodologies, who thrives in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment., * Must have a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related professional/military experience. * Must have an active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, prior to the commencement of employment, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need * Professional experience working within System Test, SW Development and/or Systems Engineering environments, * Experience supporting the software development lifecycle. * Professional experience with Windows OR Linux operating systems & Virtual Machines (VMs) * Experience with Agile development methodologies. * Current, applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. * Security+ certification. * Proficiency with IBM Rational tool suite (DOORS and ClearQuest). * Experience with Atlassian tool suite (JIRA, Git, Confluence). * Hands-on experience using software test automation tools and frameworks. * Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python, with hands-on experience writing Python scripts. ## Description * Lead capability test planning, system test plan development, and requirements decomposition. * Develop and execute hardware and software test cases to verify subsystem functional requirements. * Design robust nominal and off-nominal software test cases focused on enhancing the user experience. * Independently manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. * Actively identify and implement opportunities for process improvement. We offer flexible work arrangements, including a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a collaborative, team-oriented environment. 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