> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1590387-systems-test-engineer-or-a-principal-systems-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1590387-systems-test-engineer-or-a-principal-systems-test-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Systems Test Engineer or a Principal systems test engineer. - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Palmdale, CA, United States - **Salary:** $83,400.0 - $155,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Data Link, Data Integrity, Data Systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Link 16, Satcom, SAP (Applications), System Testing, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, Integration Tests - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9051216/systems-test-engineer-or-a-principal-systems-test-engineer ## About the Role * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 0 years of related professional/military experience * Must have an active US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules. * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience * Must have an active US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules. * A current active in-scope U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance * Outstanding oral and written communication; experience presenting technical briefings to senior leadership, contractors, and customers * Direct test experience with communication suites (e.g., Link 16, SATCOM, TDL), navigation systems (GPS, INS, GAINS, DME), and identification technologies (IFF, ADS B) * Prior experience working in classified environments and implementing Safety Management System (SMS) processes for flight test operations. * Prior experience and familiarity with the USAF Test Wing processes. We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive 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. ## Description Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a highly experienced Flight Test Engineer to lead Communication, Navigation, Identification (CNI) focused test efforts for one or more aircraft platforms. The incumbent will serve as the primary technical authority for CNI system test planning, execution, and data analysis, and will act as a focal point between design engineering, maintenance, test operations, and the customer. * Develop and publish Integrated Test Plans (ITPs), detailed test procedures, and schedules that address CNI functional, performance, and survivability requirements for developmental and operational test phases. * Lead CNI test planning working groups, coordinating across avionics, communications, navigation, and mission systems disciplines to align test objectives, resources, and risk mitigation strategies. * Interface with design and analysis teams to define test configurations, instrumentation, and data collection requirements for radar, datalink, GPS/INS, IFF, electronic warfare, and other CNI subsystems. * Review and evaluate test requirements and traceability matrices to ensure completeness, compliance with applicable MIL STD/DO */GPM/IER standards, and alignment with aircraft mission goals. * Perform technical analysis of system level CNI performance, preparing comprehensive evaluation reports that document compliance, margin, and any corrective actions required. * Support the development, review, and approval of test cards and checklists in collaboration with engineering, test operations, and safety personnel. * Conduct Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and support Pre /Post Test Briefings to communicate status, risks, and findings to stakeholders. * Provide real time mission control room support using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS), making safety critical decisions and adjusting test execution to maintain efficiency and data integrity. * Execute pre and post test data analyses, applying statistical methods and model based verification to identify anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions for CNI subsystems. * Maintain and report testing metrics, flight hour utilization, and constraints using other enterprise tools. * Mentor junior engineers and act as the principal subject matter expert (SME) for CNI test methodology, standards, and best practices across the test team. * Coordinate with security, safety, and certification authorities to ensure compliance with classified handling requirements and airworthiness directives. ## Related Videos - [Wolfenstein 3D Postmortem](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/525-wolfenstein-3d-postmortem) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Data is Key: Scraping Metadata from Websites](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/708-data-is-key-scraping-metadata-from-websites) - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) - [Offline first!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/645-offline-first) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)