Lead Automation Test Engineer – Level 4

Northrop Grumman

. Oversee test engineering for TASD Systems Team with focus on standardized, rigorous testing processes .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeColorado Springs • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $117,500 - $176,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in test engineering, focusing on automated testing processes and quality assurance within software development. Proficient in leading teams, implementing test automation strategies, and utilizing Agile methodologies to enhance product quality and efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Test Automation StrategyAgile MethodologiesTeam LeadershipTest EngineeringCI/CD Pipelines

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Test AutomationSoftware Development LifecycleTest FrameworksAPI TestingUI AutomationC++C#JavaPythonModeling and Simulation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsSelf-StarterTeam CollaborationTraining and Coaching

Tools & Technologies

Atlassian ToolsJiraConfluenceGit

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government-issued Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Missile DefenseCommand and ControlModeling and SimulationQuality Metrics

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudJavaPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee test engineering for TASD Systems Team with focus on standardized, rigorous testing processes
Transform software projects from ad-hoc manual testing to documented, evidence-based, automated testing
Support development and verification of TASD software products including TMSS, ROSE, MDASim, TGx, and MDST
Design, test, analyze, benchmark, validate, verify, document, automate, and integrate products across the TASD program
Lead test engineers in developing standard processes, test plans, results documentation, recording, and best practices
Define and implement test automation strategy and roadmap
Lead manual and automated regression, integration, and end-to-end test suites for client, client-server, and cloud-based simulation systems
Create or use test tools and harnesses for scripting, test data setup, and environment orchestration
Train other test engineers in testing tools and harnesses
Support Agile software teams by embedding automation into CI/CD pipelines and enforcing quality gates
Improve product quality through testing, analysis, automation, peer review, and test reliability improvements
Interface with customers and stakeholders and present technical briefings on test strategies, plans, status, and results
Define and track test and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline preferred from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience; or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related experience; or a PhD with 4 years of related experience
Self-starter able to work independently and in a team environment
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Familiarity with Agile software development practices
Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle and testing and automation integration
Hands-on experience designing, developing, and maintaining test automation
Experience successfully leading a team of test engineers
Active in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at time of application, required to start
Ability for limited travel (less than 10% of time)
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance
Preferred: experience training or coaching others in test automation
Preferred: experience with C++, C#, Java, Python, or other modern development languages
Preferred: experience with automated test frameworks and tools, API test frameworks or tools, UI/client automation tools
Preferred: Agile methodologies including Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe
Preferred: modeling and simulation systems
Preferred: missile defense, command and control, and modeling and simulation domain knowledge
Preferred: CI/CD pipelines with automated tests and quality gates
Preferred: Atlassian tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Git
Preferred: defining and tracking test and quality metrics

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may be available
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business