> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1958069-principal-sr-principal-systems-test-engineer-15109-1](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1958069-principal-sr-principal-systems-test-engineer-15109-1). 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). --- # Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer - 15109-1 - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Roy, UT, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $98,400.0 - $147,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Algorithm Design, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Databases, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, SAP (Applications), Verification and Validation (Software), System Testing, Systems Integration, Test Data, DOORS (Software), Test Scripts, Model Validation - **Published:** August 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9080723/principal-sr-principal-systems-test-engineer-15109-1 ## About the Role Typical Minimum Education or Experience * T3 Principal Systems Test Engineer: 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD * T4 Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer: 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD BQs for both levels: * Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need * 3+ years' experience in guidance, navigation, or control algorithm development and/or flight/trajectory analysis for launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, and/or aircraft applications * Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to define test objectives and requirements for test activities in a hardware in the loop lab * Working knowledge of system integration (HW and SW) and test principles * Knowledge of system integration and test principles and processes * Experience supporting the development, plan, and execution of test plans and reporting * Basic Knowledge of systems engineering principles including requirement decomposition and allocation of requirements * Experience in sensor navigation, including inertial, radio, and/or optical navigation techniques * Experience in strategic missile guidance and implementation of guidance algorithms * Demonstrated proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, and/or other tools for GN&C Analysis and development * Knowledge/experience with AF Test Directive 99-103 * Experience in troubleshooting anomalous hardware and software * Experience with ICBMs (MM, PK, Small Missile) or DOD programs, * Master's or PhD Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field * DoD Top Secret Clearance * Knowledge/Experience with IBM DOORS database * Support the generation of test procedures and test readiness reviews (TRRs) * Strong background of test instrumentation * Creation of test Concept of Operations (ConOps) flows that maximizes the utility of test resources while meeting schedule and technical requirements and/or constraints * Generate and support test data decomposition and test reports to other IPTs * Assist in consolidating and processing of final test data for requirements verification/model validation sign-off * Strong understanding of entire product lifecycle, modeling and engineering best practices * Experience as acting Test Conductor/Lead during test procedure execution * Experience defining test objectives based on test requirements, VCRM and interface and specification documentation * Experience with data collection/instrumentation (methods, hardware, setup, and troubleshooting) * Experience with development of test plans, procedures, and reports (functional testing and checkout) ## Description * Develop customer contractual needs and requirements into test solutions that acknowledges technical schedule and cost constraints. * Develop and direct preparation and execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures and schedules. * Review and evaluate test requirements for completeness of test program. * Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts, Element Test teams, System Test teams, and other stakeholders to identify test objectives, test requirements, and risks that require test to mitigate. * Supporting development of instrumentation requirements for Hardware in the Loop testing. * Identify test support requirements and coordinate with Design & Integration team for budget and personnel needs. * Overseeing test activities in support or requirement verification and validation. * Conduct daily briefing and approve test start for each test event. Approve Break of Configuration on the test floor. * Conduct tabletop reviews and dry run test procedures with test team prior to execution. * Coordinate and conduct Technical and Safety Review Boards, and Test Readiness Reviews. * Support customer Test Plan Working Groups. Prepare Test Planning Team charters. * Coordinate with Quality organization for test support. Review and approve major test amendments. * Utilize excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management. * Working well in a team environment, collaborate with multiple engineering teams to define test objectives and requirements for test activities in a hardware in the loop lab. ## Related Videos - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: Evaluating RAG Systems with Synthetic Test Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1982-stop-guessing-start-measuring-evaluating-rag-systems-with-synthetic-test-data) ## Related Articles - [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) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [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) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)