> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/513441-principal-sr-principal-ground-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/513441-principal-sr-principal-ground-test-engineer). 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 Ground Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Palmdale, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $103,600.0 - $155,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Network Analysis, Document Management Systems, SAP (Applications), System Testing, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, SC Clearance - **Published:** June 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8959606/principalsr-principal-ground-test-engineer ## About the Role "This is an individual contributor role that may be filled at the Principal or Senior Principal level based on the qualifications listed below", * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree AND 5 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 0 years of related professional/military experience * Must have experience in a system test and/or aircraft test/operational environment * Be familiar with blueprints, engineering guidance, data collection etc. * Be familiar with special test equipment, i.e. oscilloscopes, network analyzers etc * Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Must be able to work multiple shifts when required: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift. 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift. * Must be able to work multiple shifts when required: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift. 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift., * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree AND 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree AND 7 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience * Must have experience in a system test and/or aircraft test/operational environment * Be familiar with blueprints, engineering guidance, data collection etc. * Be familiar with special test equipment, i.e. oscilloscopes, network analyzers etc * Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Must be able to work multiple shifts when required: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift. 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience as a Test Engineer that includes test planning, execution, and operations. * Experience with Test Work Sheets, Prep Items and other test work documents * Experience with MES, FMT or other documentation systems * Active Program clearance. * Active Top-Secret clearance. ## Description Plan, schedule and conduct test events, Lead team of technicians and engineers during test execution. Author work authorizations (TWS, Prep Items, etc) for test and troubleshooting purposes. Work with Responsible Engineers (REs) and System Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations in a production environment. Attend meetings as test subject matter expert to include TRRs, test planning, test documentation preparation, engineering briefs/debriefs, and will lead our team Through test execution. The selected candidate will also: * Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives. * Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test, supervision, and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test. * Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and Leadership for alternate means of compliance as required, and support development and execution of test objectives. ## Related Videos - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: Evaluating RAG Systems with Synthetic Test Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1982-stop-guessing-start-measuring-evaluating-rag-systems-with-synthetic-test-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) - [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) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Backend Developer Salary in Germany [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/196-backend-developer-salary-in-germany-2023) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)