Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.
Space System is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible.
The Space Systems Integration and Test group is seeking a Principal Engineer Electrical or Senior Principal Engineer Electrical (Integration and Test) to support the P093 program in Redondo Beach, California.
As a Payload Test Engineer, you will take ownership of critical subsystems and oversee the complete Integration & Test (I&T) lifecycle for spacecraft and payload systems. Responsibilities include developing and executing RF and digital test procedures, troubleshooting test sets, creating data analysis tools, and driving anomaly resolution. You will also serve as a Test Conductor, managing test execution, performing hardware inspections, and providing shift coverage to ensure mission success. This is a unique opportunity to join a team of highly skilled and diverse individuals shaping the future of space systems.
You will have the opportunity to design, develop, and execute test procedures and automated test scripts using spacecraft commands, telemetry, and electrical ground support equipment. The ideal candidate has system level test experience working with spacecraft flight hardware and good computer skills. Daily responsibilities will require I&T test preparation leading to direct contact with satellite and space flight hardware. Candidate must be able to tackle issues utilizing skills obtained in the field of electrical engineering, or a related discipline, preferably as it relates to system level integration and test. Required skills include the ability to communicate clearly and to use critical thinking in troubleshooting of problems. The ability to use scripting language and formulate automated test scripts is highly desirable. International/domestic travel to support launch campaigns may be required. Shift and weekend work to support testing will be required periodically.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Define test requirements and develop/update test plans, test procedures, specifications, and test limits.
Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts (ATSs), electronic test procedures, and interconnect drawings.
Conduct verification and validation of subsystem and full-system requirements, ensuring compliance with mission specifications.
Participate in system integration, checkout, integrated system tests, environmental tests, and final delivery.
Execute integration and test (I&T) activities, including test monitoring, functional testing, visual inspections, hardware walk-arounds, manual measurements, and shift operations (including weekends, as required).
Perform calibration, validation, and setup of test racks and test equipment; execute test set moves, validate test configurations, and troubleshoot hardware and software anomalies.
Develop and maintain data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Excel), review/analyze test data, generate reports, and support anomaly resolution.
Coordinate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, external partners, and internal program leaders to align test objectives, report results, and integrate feedback.
Assist with Test Interface Specification (TIS) development in collaboration with software teams.
Support program review boards (ERBs, TRRs, FRBs, etc.) by preparing materials and participating as needed.
Write and maintain technical documentation, including test procedures, manufacturing work instructions, and reports.
Travel, as necessary, to support program needs across different locations, shifts, or time zones.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
Requires an active U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 year of professional experience.
Requires an active U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with 1553 data bus architecture and capture tools.
In-depth knowledge of RF principles, test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers), and RF component testing.
Hands-on experience with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for data collection, processing, and analysis.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve system-level test issues, including RF hardware, configurations, and software anomalies.
ngc