Northrop Grumman
Principal Engineer
Location
Chandler, AZ, 85224
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 Chandler, AZ, possessing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PE (Professional Engineer) can notably enhance a Principal Engineer’s profile, especially for government contractors like Northrop Grumman. These credentials validate advanced expertise and leadership in engineering projects within this competitive local market.
Chandler, AZ experiences moderate peak-hour traffic, which can influence commute times for Principal Engineers working at Northrop Grumman. Many professionals opt for flexible start times or telecommuting options when available to navigate congestion effectively, balancing productivity with travel demands.
A Principal Engineer typically commands broader technical leadership, overseeing complex systems and guiding multidisciplinary teams, whereas a Senior Engineer focuses more on specialized project execution. In aerospace, this means the Principal Engineer integrates cross-functional expertise to innovate and ensure mission-critical standards.
To progress toward a Principal Engineer role, enhancing systems integration knowledge, advanced problem-solving abilities, and leadership in mechanical or electrical design are vital. Mastery in managing large-scale projects and communicating across departments also distinguishes candidates aiming for this senior position.
Yes, Principal Systems Engineers at Northrop Grumman play a pivotal role in shaping project trajectories by advising on technical feasibility, risk mitigation, and resource allocation. Their input often steers design choices and ensures alignment with both client specifications and regulatory standards.
Northrop Grumman is known for structured leadership development programs specifically designed for Principal Engineers, including mentorship opportunities and technical workshops, facilitating continued growth within their Chandler facilities and enhancing retention of top engineering talent.
Principal Engineers in Chandler typically earn between $130,000 and $170,000 annually, depending on experience and specific engineering discipline. Northrop Grumman's compensation packages often include bonuses and benefits that reflect the seniority and technical complexity of the role.
The Chandler area has a growing demand for Principal Mechanical Design Engineers, fueled by aerospace and defense sectors. While competition remains robust, candidates with advanced systems engineering skills and security clearances tend to have a distinct advantage.
Northrop Grumman fosters a culture emphasizing innovation, compliance, and collaboration, often more structured than startups or smaller companies in Chandler. Principal Engineers benefit from access to cutting-edge projects with a strong focus on federal contracts and security protocols.
The Principal Engineer at Northrop Grumman frequently collaborates with government agencies, ensuring engineering solutions meet stringent regulatory and defense requirements. This integration demands proficiency in compliance standards and adaptability to evolving federal project needs.
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