> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3298534-sr-principal-systems-engineer-co-cls-sw-sustainment-integrati](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3298534-sr-principal-systems-engineer-co-cls-sw-sustainment-integrati). 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). --- # Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Co-CLS SW Sustainment Integrati - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,200.0 - $213,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Software Bug Management, Configuration Management, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Regression Testing, Systems Integration, Test Case, Data Analytics - **Published:** September 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9142519/sr-principal-systems-engineer-co-cls-sw-sustainment-integrati ## About the Role Success in this role will require p roficiency with data analysis and debugging, including interpreting logs, telemetry, or test results. Additionally, success will require conveying s trong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical status and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. You will need to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced sustainment environment., * Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience * Experience leading small technical teams or acting as a technical lead for integration or test efforts. * Must have experience in software/system integration and test, including lab-based integration (SIL/HWIL or similar). * Must have experience with defect / discrepancy management, requirements tracing, and test case development. * Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)., * Experience on RQ-4, other UAS platforms, or mission systems in a CLS or sustainment environment. * Experience with GHED (or similar defect/backlog management tools) and structured backlog grooming practices. * Experience with regression test strategy, test automation, and continuous integration concepts. * Familiarity with FMS customer environments and expectations. * Experience mentoring junior engineers and shaping integration/test processes. ## Description * Lead a team of integrators performing software sustainment integration, verification, and field-driven investigations for the RQ-4 FMS program. * Perform requirements tracing for defects, ensuring issues are clearly linked to system/segment requirements, design elements, and verification artifacts. * Develop regression verification tests (RVTs) to validate defect fixes and prevent regression across software baselines. * Perform debugging and execution of RVTs, including test planning, setup, execution, data review, and documentation of results. * Support and coordinate integration activities within the FMS System Integration Lab (SIL), including integration of new software drops, configuration management, and test readiness. * Groom and manage the GHED backlog by assessing priority, clarifying problem statements, and coordinating with software, CLS, and program leadership to ensure timely disposition. * Provide clear, data-driven technical recommendations and status to program management and customer stakeholders. * Develop and maintain integration plans, test procedures, and technical documentation in support of audits, reviews, and configuration control. * Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in integration, test, and defect management. ## Related Videos - [AIQSpecFlow: Improves and automates your agile process of specification and creation of testcases.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100084-aiqspecflow-improves-and-automates-your-agile-process-of-specification-and-creation-of-testcases) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data) - [How Data is Shaping our Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/176-how-data-is-shaping-our-games) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [What Makes WeAreDevelopers World Congress Different From Every Other Tech Event?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/701-what-makes-wearedevelopers-world-congress-different-from-every-other-tech-event) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [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)