Senior Principal Test Engineer – Active Secret Clearance Required

Northrop Grumman

. Support Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems’ Research and Advanced Design Operating Unit .

Posted 10/25/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSenior💰 $129,300 - $193,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in managing lab, ground, and flight test programs, ensuring compliance with engineering objectives and effective risk management. Proficient in project management and communication, with a strong ability to lead teams in dynamic environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Test Program LeadershipProgram Risk ManagementLab Environment ExperienceActive Secret US Government ClearanceProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Lab TestingGround TestingFlight TestingRisk Management ProcessesTest PlanningTest ReportingStaffing ForecastingDynamic Work Environment LeadershipProject Management

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsWritten Communication SkillsRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

MS ProjectExcelPowerPointWordJiraConfluence

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelors of Science in STEMMasters in STEMPhD in STEMActive US Government Top Secret ClearanceSpecial Access Program Clearance

Industry Keywords

Northrop GrummanAeronautics SystemsTest Statement of WorkEngineering TestsCost and Schedule Performance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems’ Research and Advanced Design Operating Unit
Manage all facets of the test program, including lab and flight test staffing, planning, execution, and reporting
Orchestrate lab, ground and flight integration and developmental testing
Ensure engineering tests serve developmental objectives and establish mechanisms to execute tests
Review test requirements status, manage schedules, and prepare test plans and test reports
Identify test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans
Coordinate ground test engineering and operations and aircraft modifications for testing
Interact frequently with Engineering in Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Palmdale
Ensure cost and schedule performance targets are met
Provide test site employee staffing forecasts and timely resource forecasts to program management
Assure proper staffing to execute the Test Statement of Work
Lead test engineering personnel and work in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance
Support extended shifts and occasional weekends as required to maintain program schedules

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field and 8 years of relevant Lab, Ground and Flight test military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant Lab, Ground and Flight test military / professional experience, OR a PhD and 4 years of relevant Lab, Ground and Flight test military / professional experience
Must have experience leading flight test programs
Must have experience with program risk, opportunity and issue management processes
Experience in Lab environments
Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret US Clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time prior to commencement of employment
Ability to travel up to 25% of your time
Experience leading a Test team in a dynamic work environment
Excellent organizational and written communication skills
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
An active US Government Top Secret clearance is preferred
Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or Special Compartmentalized Information (SCI) is preferred
U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Flexible work arrangements
9/80 or 4/10 work schedule
Phenomenal learning opportunities
Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
Friendly team environment
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus may apply
Annual bonuses may be available
Long Term Incentives may be available for Vice President or Director positions