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# Senior Principal Systems Test Lead

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $129,300.0 - $193,900.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Confluence, JIRA, Microsoft Project, Microsoft PowerPoint, SAP (Applications), System Testing, Systems Integration
- **Published:** September 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9177626/senior-principal-systems-test-lead

## About the Role

* Bachelors degree in Science in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience
 * Relevant experience to include a background in System Test experience, lab, ground/flight test.
 * Prior experience leading projects or teams.
 * Demonstrated understanding of program risk, opportunity and issue management process
 * Ability to work flexible changing shifts based on the business need.
 * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs., * Excellent organizational and written communication skills, as well as project management planning and presentation skills
 * Proficient with MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word
 * Demonstrated ability to create trusted relationships
 * Experience with Jira and Confluence tools
 * Prior CAM and Earned Value Management experience
 * Experience working with International customers

## Description

The Vanquish Program requires a Test Engineer to fill the role of the program Test Lead responsible for all facets of the Vanquish test program, including lab and flight test staffing, planning, execution and reporting. This position requires a highly motivated and self-starting individual with relevant test operations experience, who will be willing to support Vanquish test activities in the System Integration Lab (SIL).The Vanquish Test Lead will orchestrate lab, ground and flight integration and developmental testing for NGAS. The lead is responsible for ensuring engineering tests serve mission objectives and mechanisms are in place to execute the tests. The lead reviews status of test requirements, manages schedules, and prepares reports., * Identify all test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans.

 * Coordinate with ground test engineering and operations, aircraft modifications for testing.
 * Frequent interaction with Engineering at Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Mojave, and ensuring cost and schedule performance targets are met.
 * Provide program leadership for test site employees and provide timely resource forecasts to program management, assuring that proper staffing is in place to execute the Test Statement of Work.
 * Excellent communication skills, experience leading test engineering personnel, and be capable of working in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance.
 * May be required to support extended shifts, occasional weekends, and holidays as required to maintain program schedule.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other 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.