Northrop Grumman
Principal Engineer
Location
Tucson, AZ, 85701
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
In Tucson, AZ, aerospace employers like Northrop Grumman highly value certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma, and systems engineering credentials (INCOSE CSEP). These validate expertise in project leadership and complex system design, enhancing your candidacy in this competitive engineering market.
Tucson hosts a concentrated aerospace and defense industry, creating steady demand for Principal Engineers, often higher than Phoenix. The local presence of companies like Northrop Grumman means more specialized roles, although competition remains fierce due to a skilled talent pool.
Principal Engineers excel in cross-disciplinary leadership, advanced systems integration, and strategic design decisions. They often bridge technical execution with business objectives, requiring deep experience in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering domains, far beyond routine engineering tasks.
Advancement to Principal Engineer usually involves progressing from senior or lead engineering roles, gaining expertise in specialized fields like mechanical or systems engineering. Leadership in project delivery and innovation typically precedes promotion, highlighting both technical mastery and strategic impact.
Principal Engineers at Northrop Grumman navigate complex design constraints, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with stringent government regulations. Balancing innovation with risk mitigation in defense projects demands exceptional problem-solving and communication skills.
Northrop Grumman invests in continuous learning through technical workshops, leadership training, and cross-functional projects. Principal Engineers are encouraged to mentor others and engage with cutting-edge aerospace technologies, fostering growth aligned with the company's innovative culture.
Principal Engineers in Tucson typically earn between $120,000 and $160,000 annually, with variations based on specialty and experience. Aerospace firms like Northrop Grumman often offer competitive compensation packages including bonuses, reflecting the role’s seniority and technical demands.
Northrop Grumman emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture with a strong focus on innovation and compliance. This contrasts with smaller local firms where roles may offer broader responsibilities but less specialization, making Northrop Grumman attractive for engineers seeking aerospace depth.
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