Staff Test Engineer – ACP Test Lead

Northrop Grumman

. Serve as program Test Lead responsible for all facets of the test program .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California • United StatesSenior💰 $161,000 - $241,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in test program leadership, including planning, executing, and reporting on lab and flight testing while ensuring alignment with mission objectives. Proficient in risk management, resource forecasting, and maintaining compliance with government clearance requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Test Program LeadershipEarned Value ManagementRisk ManagementMS Project ProficiencyActive US Government Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Test Program ManagementFlight TestingLab TestingRisk IdentificationSchedule ManagementResource ForecastingSystem Test LeadershipProject Management PlanningCommunication SkillsOrganizational Skills

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingWritten Communication

Tools & Technologies

MS ProjectExcelPowerPointWordJiraConfluence

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Government Secret ClearanceTop Secret Clearance PreferredSpecial Access Program Clearance

Industry Keywords

STEM DegreeMilitary ExperienceProgram Risk ManagementEarned Value ManagementTest Statement of Work

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as program Test Lead responsible for all facets of the test program
Staff, plan, execute, and report on lab and flight testing
Orchestrate lab, ground, and flight integration and developmental testing for NGAS
Ensure engineering tests serve mission objectives and establish mechanisms to execute tests
Review test requirement status, manage schedules, and prepare reports
Identify test and test-program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans
Coordinate with ground test engineering and operations and aircraft modifications for testing
Interact frequently with Engineering at Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Mojave
Ensure cost and schedule performance targets are met
Provide program leadership for test-site employees
Provide timely resource forecasts to program management
Assure proper staffing to execute the Test Statement of Work
Work as an individual contributor without direct reports

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 12 years of related professional/military experience, or Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years of related professional/military experience, or STEM Ph.D. and 8 years of related professional/military experience
Active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Prior CAM and Earned Value Management experience
Understanding of program risk, opportunity, and issue management processes
Current, active Top Secret clearance preferred
Experience leading a System Test team in a dynamic work environment preferred
Excellent organizational and written communication skills preferred
Project management planning and presentation skills preferred
Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word preferred
Experience creating trusted relationships preferred
Experience with Jira and Confluence preferred
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Flexible work arrangements
9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
Phenomenal learning opportunities
Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
Friendly team environment
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business