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# Systems Test Engineer (Level 2 or 3)

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Plymouth, MN, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $79,600.0 - $119,400.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Code Coverage, Software Requirements Analysis, Test Data, DOORS (Software), Test Scripts, System-level Testing, Teamcenter (Software)
- **Published:** October 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9280157/systems-test-engineer-level-2-or-3

## About the Role

Note: This position may be filled at the Systems Test Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3) level depending on the candidate's education and years of relevant experience.

Basic Qualifications for Systems Test Engineer (Level 2)

 * Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering
 * 2+ years of experience in an engineering organization (Systems Test Engineering preferred); OR Master's degree in one of the above disciplines in lieu of 2 years of experience

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Test Engineer (Level 3)

 * Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering
 * 5+ years of experience in an engineering organization (Systems Test Engineering preferred); OR Master's degree in one of the above disciplines with 3+ years of experience

In addition, for both levels:

 * Experience with DoD programs as they relate to product verification and validation, including test planning, test conduct, and test report generation.
 * Strong understanding and application of military specifications and standards for requirements verification of advanced weapons, medium and large caliber ammunition, and precision-guided weapons.
 * Experience with environmental testing methods and processes, such as:
 + Ballistics, trace, self-destruct, round performance
 + Temperature and humidity (storage and live fire)
 + Transportation vibration, drop shock, thermal, jolt/jumble
 + Salt fog, waterproofing
 + Electromagnetic environmental effects (E3)
 * Prior experience generating test plans and test reports for customer deliverables, including capturing required test data and results.
 * Strong analytical skills with the ability to work independently and effectively organize and prioritize tasks.
 * Ability to travel 25%-50% to support off-site testing activities.
 * Must be a U.S. citizen due to security requirements.
 * Must have the ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Highly Desired Qualifications

 * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings per ASME, including extensive use of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2009 and related standards
 * Experience with:
 + Siemens Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
 + System requirements tools such as Cameo (Dassault Systèmes) and IBM DOORS
 * Familiarity with failure analysis and resolution methodologies, such as FRACAS, 8D, and similar approaches
 * Design experience related to aerospace products and systems using comparable industry specifications and standards
 * Current, active DoD Secret clearance is highly desirable

## Description

In this position, you will:

 * Translate customer and contractual requirements into system-level test strategies and solutions that balance technical performance, schedule, and cost.
 * Develop and lead the execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for complex systems.
 * Coordinate and oversee integrated testing activities, ensuring test coverage is complete and risks are understood and mitigated.
 * Perform technical analysis at the system level and prepare clear, comprehensive test and evaluation reports.
 * Review and evaluate test requirements to ensure the completeness and effectiveness of the overall test program.

You will typically serve as a lead test engineer responsible for:

 * Creating Detailed Test Plans (DTPs), Test Procedures, and Engineering Test Reports (ETRs) in a Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
 * Applying relevant military specifications and standards to verify and validate system requirements.
 * Planning, organizing, communicating, and executing test activities as part of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring adherence to test engineering practices, company work instructions, and processes.
 * Acting as a key interface with external customers, end users, and business partners as needed.

You will also:

 * Generate required test documentation packages (including checklists) and plan/lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) prior to test events.
 * Coordinate closely with program managers, chief engineers, design and quality engineers, DCMA, and external customers.
 * Develop Master Test Plans (MTPs) and Hardware Utilization Matrices (HUMs).
 * Potentially perform as a Control Account Manager (CAM), helping to manage cost, schedule, and scope for engineering and design verification test activities.
 * Support proposal and bidding efforts for new programs and projects by contributing test strategies, estimates, and content.