Advanced Programs - Test Engineer

Description

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Staff Test Engineer. This position will be located in Huntsville, AL, supporting the Advanced Programs.

Relocation assistance may be available.

Travel required:

Yes, 10% of the time.

• Prepare and configure test facilities and HWIL/SWIL laboratories, including planning, procurement, builds, and readiness for Phase 2 and future phase test activities.
• Translate customer contractual requirements into integrated test concepts and solutions that balance technical performance, schedule, and cost constraints.
• Develop and lead preparation and execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for subsystem, system, and lab-based testing, including In Air Eject Test and Underwater Eject Test events.
• Coordinate integrated test activities, resources, and configurations across internal engineering teams, test operations, and external suppliers to ensure test readiness and efficient execution.
• Contribute to and maintain the program Integrated Test Plan (ITP), ensuring completeness, consistency, and traceability of test requirements through verification and validation.
• Perform technical analysis of test data and system performance, generating clear, data-driven evaluation reports and recommendations to drive design and risk-reduction decisions.
• Review and assess supplier test plans, procedures, and results, including verification of delivered components and formal test data review for compliance to requirements.
• Design and implement proof‑of‑concept and early risk‑mitigation test methods, fixtures, and configurations to support Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction objectives.
• Manage test data acquisition, configuration control, analysis, and documentation using appropriate digital tools to ensure traceability and reusability.
• Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test, supervising and directing maintenance personnel.
• Serve as a technical liaison on test‑related matters with customers, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment on test strategy, execution status, and results while maintaining safety, security, and export‑control compliance.

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree and 10 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience.
• Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time.
• 5+ years of experience developing and executing integrated test plans and procedures for complex defense or aerospace systems, including requirements traceability within a systems engineering framework (e.g., DOORS or equivalent).
• 5+ years of experience planning and executing hardware‑in‑the‑loop and/or system‑level hardware test activities, including coordination across multidisciplinary teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• 5+ years of experience in development of innovative Test Automation solutions.
• Solid background and experience in system and network administration, including Linux and Windows.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting and support organic/COTS software/hardware integration in the labs.
• Familiarity with special test equipment such as oscilloscopes and network analyzers.
• Ability to support Integration and Test/Checkout (IATC) of Hardware and Software configuration items.

• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance.
• Experience developing and managing Integrated Test Plans (ITPs), test metrics, and risk‑mitigating test strategies for major acquisition or DoD programs.
• Experience leading hardware procurement and supplier test activities, including drafting or managing test‑related Statements of Work (SOW) and reviewing supplier test data.
• Experience with digital engineering and test/tooling ecosystems (e.g., Atlassian Jira/Confluence,…