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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal/Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Internet Control Message Protocol, SAP (Applications), Software Engineering, System Testing, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Wireshark, Reliability of Systems, SC Clearance, Integration Tests - **Published:** August 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://us.experteer.com/career/view-jobs/principal-senior-principal-systems-test-engineer-san-diego-ca-usa-58871133 ## About the Role seek opportunities for process improvement * Present test integration and results to program and test leadership at reviews * Utilize Wireshark/TCP/ICMP/Netstat to evaluate systems * Report, track, and troubleshoot Air and Ground system discrepancies Tasks * BS in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience, OR MS with 3 years, OR PhD with 1 year (Principal) * BS in a STEM discipline with 9 years of related experience, OR MS with 7 years, OR PhD with 4 years (Senior Principal) * Active US Government Secret clearance (or within VIAs) and ability to obtain SAP clearance and Top Secret clearance * Extensive experience in Test Program Execution * Experience with hot bench and lab operations; system/test, software development and/or systems engineering * Understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies Key requirements * flexible work arrangements * 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off * learning opportunities * exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers * friendly team environment * health insurance coverage ## Description Experteer Overview In this role you drive end-to-end system validation for the Triton program, ensuring first-time quality and rigorous engineering discipline. You'll work within a multidisciplinary team to improve user experience through robust testing and analysis. You'll balance independent delivery with cross-functional collaboration, applying formal test methods in a fast-paced defense environment. Your work directly impacts mission readiness and system reliability, with opportunities to shape testing practices and process improvements. This role offers a chance to contribute to high-impact programs in a supportive, mission-driven culture. Compensation / Benefits * Develop and execute automated and manual test cases to verify system functional requirements * Create robust nominal and off-nominal test cases aimed at improving user experience * Work independently to meet deadlines across multiple projects * Support weekends, multiple shifts, and off hours as needed * Proactively seek opportunities for process improvement * Present test integration and results to program and test leadership at reviews * Utilize Wireshark/TCP/ICMP/Netstat to evaluate systems * Report, track, and troubleshoot Air and Ground system discrepancies Tasks * BS in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience, OR MS with 3 years, OR PhD with 1 year (Principal) * BS in a STEM discipline with 9 years of related experience, OR MS with 7 years, OR PhD with 4 years (Senior Principal) * Active US Government Secret clearance (or within VIAs) and ability to obtain SAP clearance and Top Secret clearance * Extensive experience in Test Program Execution * Experience with hot bench and lab operations; system/test, software development and/or systems engineering * Understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies Key requirements * flexible work arrangements * 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off * learning opportunities * exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers * friendly team environment * health insurance coverage ## Related Videos - [How I saved 200K/yr in direct costs writing 0 code lines in K8s](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1055-how-i-saved-200k-yr-in-direct-costs-writing-0-code-lines-in-k8s) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [MySQL Protocol Features You Should Be Aware Of](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100267-mysql-protocol-features-you-should-be-aware-of) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) ## 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) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)