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Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Principal Engineer

Location

Los Angeles, CA, 90001

Job Type

Full Time

Date Posted

27 November 2025

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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

Los Angeles hosts a robust aerospace and defense sector, making Principal Engineer positions highly sought after. Northrop Grumman, a top employer, attracts experienced engineers, causing stiff competition. Candidates often need specialized skills in systems or mechanical engineering and strong leadership to stand out locally.

In LA’s aerospace hub, certifications such as PMP, PE (Professional Engineer), and specific systems engineering credentials boost a principal engineer’s prospects at Northrop Grumman. Advanced qualifications in mechanical or electrical domains also align with the company’s innovation-driven culture.

Principal Engineers must excel in cross-disciplinary collaboration, advanced problem-solving, and strategic design execution. Skills in principal mechanical design, systems integration, and leadership in complex civil or optical engineering tasks are crucial for influencing project outcomes.

Transitioning into a Principal Engineer spot often opens doors to senior management roles such as Chief Engineer or Engineering Director. It enhances expertise in systems engineering and leadership, positioning professionals for impactful roles in government or private sectors.

While Principal Engineers focus on technical leadership and design innovation, Assistant Chief Engineers often handle operational oversight and team coordination. The principal role demands deeper involvement in systems engineering strategy and higher-level decision-making.

Northrop Grumman’s Principal Engineers drive critical design and systems integration, often leading cutting-edge defense projects. Unlike general engineering roles, these positions require directing multidisciplinary teams and shaping technological advancements with high precision.

Northrop Grumman emphasizes innovation and professional growth in LA, providing Principal Engineers access to advanced training, mentorship programs, and involvement in pioneering aerospace projects, enhancing both skillsets and career trajectories within the company.

Principal Engineers in Los Angeles typically earn between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on expertise and specialization, with aerospace and defense firms like Northrop Grumman often offering competitive packages that include bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

A Principal Mechanical Design Engineer primarily focuses on mechanical components and product design nuances, whereas a Principal Systems Engineer manages the integration of multiple engineering disciplines. Both roles demand leadership but differ in technical scope and project focus.

Navigating rigorous compliance standards, managing interdisciplinary teams, and aligning with government contract requirements are key challenges. Engineers must adapt to fast-evolving defense technologies and maintain high accountability in projects critical to national security.

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