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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # System Test Engineer /Principal System Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Salary:** $91,800.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Microsoft Access, 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, System Testing, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, Virtual Machines, Scripting, Git, Atlassian Tools - **Published:** July 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=2be5e21cf73dcf43 ## About the Role The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Test & Evaluation organization. The selected candidate will synthesize customer contractual needs and requirements into system test solutions which acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints. They will perform a variety of duties in the electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, or software areas. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, organized, and able to learn challenging concepts quickly in a fast-paced environment., * 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 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, OR a Ph.D. AND 1 year of related professional/military experience., * Must have an active US Government Top Secret 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. * Capability to work with supervision and develop effective approaches to problem-solving. * Self-motivated with a strong attention to detail and thoroughness. * Experience writing Python scripts * Experience working System Test, SW Development and/or Systems Engineering * Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems & Virtual Machines (VMs) * Understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile development methodology, * Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. * Knowledge of system test and integration. * Experience calibrating and inspecting special test equipment * Experience creating, updating and executing test procedures * Security+ certification * Experience with IBM Rational tool suite (DOORS and ClearQuest) * Experience with Atlassian tool suite (JIRA, Git, Confluence) * Experience using software test automation tools/frameworks * Experience with Java, C++, or Python ## Description * Assist in development, execution, peer review, and release of test procedures * Participate in both Formal and Non-Formal Test execution events * Participate in test planning, discrepancy report, validation testing, and post test data analysis * Provide support of required laboratory test artifacts * Effectively communicate test results and project updates * Willing to support multiple shifts and odd hours to accommodate testing efforts and lab schedules The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 10% may be required. We offer flexible work arrangements, 4/10 work schedule with every Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, 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. ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [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)