> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3991606-principal-sr-principal-engineer-systems-test-active-secret-clearance-required](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3991606-principal-sr-principal-engineer-systems-test-active-secret-clearance-required). 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 Engineer Systems Test- Active Secret Clearance Required - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $103,600.0 - $155,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, Agile Testing, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Linux, IBM Rational Software, IBM Rational Clearquest, Iterative and Incremental Development, Python (Programming Language), Regression Testing, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Subsystems, System Testing, Strategies of Testing, Virtual Machines, Scripting, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Software Verification, Hardware Testing, Git, System-level Testing, SC Clearance, Atlassian Tools - **Published:** October 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/01A8CCBCF4064D5DAFF26CB047FC0B6F/job/ ## About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented System Test Engineer who focuses on first-time quality, engineering rigor, and Test Like You Fly methodology. This role is responsible for Test Planning and Execution, system-level test coordination, and execution of integrated hardware/software verification in lab and operational environments. Responsibilities include working with STE Teammates, Test IPT Leadership, Lab Operations Leadership, and Test Planning & Execution (TP&E) teams to successfully plan, and execute dry run and formal test activities to evaluated, and certify hardware and software for ground and flight release. Must have the ability to communicate up to leadership, and across to teammates and team members. Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. A successful track record of program performance and test experience is required., We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, and 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. This role will be filled at either a Systems Test Engineer 3 or 4 based on the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications (T03 - Principal System Test Engineer) * Bachelor's of Science degree ina STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 5 years of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR Master's degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR PhD in STEM with 1 year of related engineering, professional or military experience. * Experience in System Test, Software Development, and/or Systems Engineering. * Experience developing and executing system-level test procedures and maintaining requirement-to-test traceability. * Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems and Virtual Machines (VMs). * Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) * Flexibility to support weekends, multiple shifts, and off-hours onsite as required., Basic Qualifications (T04 - Sr. Principal System Test Engineer) * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 9 years of of related engineering, professional or military experience ; OR Master's degree in STEM with 7 years of related engineering, professional or military experience ; OR PhD in STEM with 4 years of related engineering, professional or military experience . * Experience in System Test, Software Development, and/or Systems Engineering. * Experience developing and executing system-level test procedures and maintaining requirement-to-test traceability. * Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems and Virtual Machines (VMs). * Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Flexibility to support weekends, multiple shifts, and off-hours onsite as required., * System-level lab test execution experience, including test planning and coordination of events; experience supporting lab operations/hot bench. * Understanding of Agile testing methodology; experience with CI and/or automated test frameworks. * Experience writing scripts (Python preferred); experience with Java/C++ is a plus. * Tools: IBM Rational (DOORS/ClearQuest) and/or Atlassian (JIRA/Git/Confluence). * Experience developing verification/validation strategy and verification metrics maintenance. * Experience in test equipment implementation, lab design, and infrastructure readiness. * Experience with communications & networking subsystems. * Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to communicate across teammates and up through leadership. ## Description * Plan, coordinate, and execute dry-run and formal system-level test activities to evaluate and certify hardware/software for ground and flight release. * Develop, execute, and document integrated software/hardware test procedures to verify functional compliance with system requirements and support verification/validation of architecture and protocol upgrades. * Design nominal, off-nominal, end-to-end test scenarios assessing performance, reliability, interoperability, and operational effectiveness (including navigation, communications, and networking subsystems). * Analyze system requirements and translate them into test strategies, detailed test plans, procedures, acceptance criteria, and requirement-to-test traceability. * Support integration, functional, regression testing in laboratory and operational test environments; coordinate data collection, analysis, reporting, and closure of verification metrics. * Drive lab configuration technical rigor, process rigor, and compliance with company/program/security requirements; support lab operations and hot bench activities as required. * Apply Agile testing practices (including continuous integration and test-driven development concepts as appropriate) to enable iterative development and rapid feedback. * Collaborate across systems/software/hardware/cybersecurity/network & communications teams to integrate and verify subsystem changes. * Communicate test status, findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to engineering leadership and program stakeholders; present at pre- and post-test reviews. * Work independently on assigned tasks, manage multiple priorities, and deliver against program schedules in a fast-paced environment. * Flexibility for weekends/multiple shifts/off-hours as test schedules require