[Skip to main content](#main-content) [ OpenNash ](https://opennash.com/) / [Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [ 01 Search jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/search/)[ 02 Companies](https://jobs.opennash.com/explore/)[ 03 Hiring report](https://jobs.opennash.com/reports/hiring/)[ 04 AI assistants](https://jobs.opennash.com/connect/)[ 05 How it works](https://jobs.opennash.com/methodology/) Northrop Grumman # Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems Test- Active Secret Clearance Required United States-California-San Diego Full-time Senior individual contributor $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Operations Listed on Northrop Grumman’s official careers site. Posted October 27, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Northrop Grumman’s careers site →](https://ngc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Northrop_Grumman_External_Site/job/United-States-California-San-Diego/Principal-Sr-Principal-Engineer-Systems-Test--Active-Secret-Clearance-Required_R10257032) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Northrop Grumman](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/) / Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems Test- Active Secret Clearance Required ## Job description ### RELOCATION ASSISTANCE Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal System Test Engineer (STE) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation Organization. This position is located in Rancho Bernardo, CA. We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented System Test Engineer who focuses on first-time quality, engineering rigor, and Test Like You Fly methodology. This role is responsible for Test Planning and Execution, system-level test coordination, and execution of integrated hardware/software verification in lab and operational environments. Responsibilities include working with STE Teammates, Test IPT Leadership, Lab Operations Leadership, and Test Planning & Execution (TP&E) teams to successfully plan, and execute dry run and formal test activities to evaluated, and certify hardware and software for ground and flight release. Must have the ability to communicate up to leadership, and across to teammates and team members. Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. A successful track record of program performance and test experience is required. ### Key Responsibilities Plan, coordinate, and execute dry-run and formal system-level test activities to evaluate and certify hardware/software for ground and flight release. Develop, execute, and document integrated software/hardware test procedures to verify functional compliance with system requirements and support verification/validation of architecture and protocol upgrades. Design nominal, off-nominal, end-to-end test scenarios assessing performance, reliability, interoperability, and operational effectiveness (including navigation, communications, and networking subsystems). Analyze system requirements and translate them into test strategies, detailed test plans, procedures, acceptance criteria, and requirement-to-test traceability. Support integration, functional, regression testing in laboratory and operational test environments; coordinate data collection, analysis, reporting, and closure of verification metrics. Drive lab configuration technical rigor, process rigor, and compliance with company/program/security requirements; support lab operations and hot bench activities as required. Apply Agile testing practices (including continuous integration and test-driven development concepts as appropriate) to enable iterative development and rapid feedback. Collaborate across systems/software/hardware/cybersecurity/network & communications teams to integrate and verify subsystem changes. Communicate test status, findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to engineering leadership and program stakeholders; present at pre- and post-test reviews. Work independently on assigned tasks, manage multiple priorities, and deliver against program schedules in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility for weekends/multiple shifts/off-hours as test schedules require We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do. This role will be filled at either a Systems Test Engineer 3 or 4 based on the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications (T03 – Principal System Test Engineer) Bachelor’s of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 5 years of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR Master’s degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR PhD in STEM with 1 year of related engineering, professional or military experience. Experience in System Test, Software Development, and/or Systems Engineering. Experience developing and executing system-level test procedures and maintaining requirement-to-test traceability. Experience with Windows/Linux operating systems and Virtual Machines (VMs). Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) Flexibility to support weekends, multiple shifts, and off-hours onsite as required. Basic Qualifications (T04 – Sr. Principal System Test Engineer) Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 9 years of of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR Master’s degree in STEM with 7 years of related engineering, professional or military experience; OR PhD in STEM with 4 years of related engineering, professional or military experience. Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Flexibility to support weekends, multiple shifts, and off-hours onsite as required. ### Preferred Qualifications System-level lab test execution experience, including test planning and coordination of events; experience supporting lab operations/hot bench. Understanding of Agile testing methodology; experience with CI and/or automated test frameworks. Experience writing scripts (Python preferred); experience with Java/C++ is a plus. ### Tools IBM Rational (DOORS/ClearQuest) and/or Atlassian (JIRA/Git/Confluence). Experience developing verification/validation strategy and verification metrics maintenance. Experience in test equipment implementation, lab design, and infrastructure readiness. Experience with communications & networking subsystems. Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to communicate across teammates and up through leadership. ### What We Offer At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program! ### Primary Level Salary Range $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit [http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO](http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO). U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Oct 27, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Nov 1, 2026 - Last checked: Nov 1, 2026 - Listed for: 5 days - Location: United States-California-San Diego - Employment type: Full-time - Pay: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00[Apply on Northrop Grumman’s careers site →](https://ngc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Northrop_Grumman_External_Site/job/United-States-California-San-Diego/Principal-Sr-Principal-Engineer-Systems-Test--Active-Secret-Clearance-Required_R10257032) ## More jobs at Northrop Grumman ### [2027 Intern - Airworthiness Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/fdf986b844b1d2d0a89f/) United States-California-San Diego ### [2027 Intern - Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/a2f30d92c973044a2ada/) United States-California-San Diego ### [Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Integration](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/7a10679a2ea8336b87b4/) United States-California-San Diego ### [Airworthiness Engineer/Principal Airworthiness Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/200a885564fa1a016e13/) United States-California-San Diego ### [Department Manager- Systems Engineering M3](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/ec3d3c1f1278e8ca4b80/) United States-California-San Diego ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Systems Engineer Principal – Core Systems Engineering – Lead Systems Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/bae-systems/jobs/29aa2e0dd49eb891528f/) BAE Systems · Boulder, Colorado, United States ### [Systems Engineer Senior Principal – Core Systems Engineering – Chief Systems Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/bae-systems/jobs/7a505cb999c34e27ca33/) BAE Systems · Broomfield, Colorado, United States ### [Systems Engineer VI (Principal)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/d7b8f5b27d0e7414c2fd/) Lockheed Martin · Littleton, CO ### [Principal Quantum Engineer - Quantum Systems](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/microsoft/jobs/b53b78e06278418a90ae/) Microsoft · United States, Washington, Redmond ### [Systems Engineer, Principal - Survivability & Nuclear Hardness](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/af4801ff6b18729abfac/) Lockheed Martin · Littleton, CO OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. Dates come from the employer where stated; “first seen” and “last checked” are our own observations. [ OpenNash ](https://opennash.com/) AI-native services firm that builds custom software and 24/7 AI agents. OpenNash Jobs is an OpenNash Applied AI project. [Book time with OpenNash](https://calendly.com/opennash/new-meeting?hide_gdpr_banner=1) Jobs - [Search jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/search/) - [Companies](https://jobs.opennash.com/explore/) - [Hiring report](https://jobs.opennash.com/reports/hiring/) - [AI assistants](https://jobs.opennash.com/connect/) - [How it works](https://jobs.opennash.com/methodology/) OpenNash - [opennash.com](https://opennash.com/) - [Services](https://opennash.com/ai-agent-consulting/) - [OpenNash CX](https://opennash.com/cx/) - [AI Tools](https://opennash.com/ai-tools/) - [Blog](https://opennash.com/blog/) - [About](https://opennash.com/about/) Contact - [hello@opennash.com](mailto:hello@opennash.com) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/opennash) - [Support](https://jobs.opennash.com/support/) - [Privacy](https://jobs.opennash.com/privacy/) - [Terms](https://jobs.opennash.com/terms/) © 2026 OpenNash, Inc. Company names and public job postings belong to their respective owners. Employers control source availability and application decisions.