Northrop Grumman
Principal Engineer
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, 80901
Job Type
Full Time
Date Posted
27 November 2025
Position: Principal Engineer, System Test Analyst (25-356)
Location: Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation Assistance: No relocation assistance available
Clearance Type: Secret
Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
Position Type/Standard Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours
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 Space Systems-Launch and Missile Defense Systems provides an excellent opportunity for a Principal Engineer System Test - System Test Analyst (25-356) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. This role, based at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, is crucial in supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels.
Position Overview:
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a vital part of the Missile Defense System. It provides an essential operational platform that allows the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and tactical levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, monitor battle progress, and actively manage networked sensors and weapon systems to meet global and regional mission goals. C2BMC offers layered missile defense capabilities, delivering an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It functions as a force multiplier by linking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations both worldwide and locally to boost overall performance. Additionally, C2BMC is a crucial component of all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the missile defense system's current and future capabilities.
Participate in developing metrics, statistics, and descriptive analyses to support evaluating the C2BMC system's performance. Conduct research and analysis to identify meaningful patterns and trends from test datasets, using statistical methods to validate or disprove hypotheses about the data. Use techniques like data visualization, simulation, and system modeling to achieve the desired analysis results.
Essential Functions:
- Assist in developing straightforward solutions to technical problems discovered and create actionable insights for the C2BMC test team and decision makers
- Collaborate with the development team to communicate key test findings and assist with anomaly resolution
- Aid in the development of new software tools and maintenance of the existing toolset
Basic Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's Degree in a STEM Computer Science, System Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university is preferred, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master's degree (preferred) in a STEM related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or PhD in a related field with 4 years of relevant experience
- Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
- A DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, CISA, GSE, SCNA, etc.) is required to start
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% to support business needs are required, with some non-standard work hours required for test event schedules
- Experience with object-oriented programming languages such as Python, Java, etc.
- Experience working with large data sets
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Systems Engineering is highly preferred
- Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification
- Certification: Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Fundamental (OCSMP - MBF)
- Experience working in a Linux environment
- Strong background in Mathematics and Physics
- Working knowledge of ballistic or non-ballistic missile defense concepts, Command and Control (C2) systems, defense communication systems, the Missile Defense System (MDS) in general, and Space Domain Awareness
What We Can Offer You:
- Health Plan
- Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Education Assistance
- Training and Development
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $136,800.00
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 Incentive
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Springs has a growing aerospace and defense sector, increasing the demand for Principal Engineers. Competition is moderate but rising, especially for roles at top firms like Northrop Grumman, where specialized engineering skills and security clearances can give candidates an edge.
Employers in Colorado Springs often favor candidates holding Professional Engineer (PE) licenses or certifications related to systems engineering and project management. Given the defense industry presence, security clearance and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma can also boost job prospects.
A Principal Engineer typically focuses on technical leadership and advanced design challenges, while a Chief Engineer usually holds broader responsibility for overall project execution and team management. Both roles require deep engineering expertise but differ in scope and strategic decision-making.
Mastery in systems integration, mechanical design, and software engineering principles is crucial. Familiarity with advanced CAD tools, systems engineering processes, and proficiency in cross-disciplinary collaboration will help an Engineer transition effectively into a Principal Engineer position.
Usually, professionals progress from Senior Engineer to Principal Systems Engineer, gaining responsibility over complex projects and mentoring teams. From there, leadership roles such as Engineering Manager or Chief Engineer become attainable, especially within established companies like Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman fosters career development through continuous learning programs, leadership training, and exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects. Principal Engineers benefit from access to innovative technologies and collaborative environments tailored to enhance their technical and managerial skills.
Positions often blend both, but many Principal Engineer roles at Northrop Grumman emphasize systems engineering due to the complexity of aerospace projects. Mechanical design expertise remains valuable, especially for roles involving hardware integration and prototype development.
Principal Engineers in Colorado Springs typically earn between $120,000 and $160,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include specific engineering discipline, years of experience, and security clearance status, with defense contractors like Northrop Grumman often offering competitive compensation packages.
Yes, starting as an Engineering Assistant can provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. With targeted skill development and project involvement, progression to Principal Mechanical Design Engineer is achievable, particularly when supplemented by relevant certifications and leadership opportunities.
Given Northrop Grumman’s focus on defense contracts, Principal Engineers are commonly required to possess or be eligible for security clearances. This ensures access to sensitive project information and compliance with federal regulations critical to the aerospace sector.
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