Principal Engineer Electronics or Sr Principal Engineer Electronics

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is currently seeking a Principal / Sr. Principal Test Engineer for our Sykesville, Maryland location in our Power/Control Systems organization.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s high performing, Test Engineering team in developing, supporting and documenting military and commercial networked machinery control systems. The qualified applicant will be exposed to all phases of the program life cycle from concept development through integration, test and support. We offer a dynamic work environment providing the highest level of engineering, product design and system support for our nation’s aircraft carriers and submarines, as well as other naval and ground based system platforms.

 What You’ll get to Do:

• Own, maintain, configure, and troubleshoot Engineering Development Models (EDM) in an engineering lab that supports fielded and next generation monitoring and controls systems.
• Sustain partnership with customer
• Develop subject matter expertise on complex large scale networked test environments. 
• Use developed SME skills to increase testing efficiency by increasing EDM availability time by pro-actively teaming with customer to update and resolve test beds.
• Use developed SME skills to broaden the use of the EDM technology to support development of obsolescence verification platform.
• Develop and modify test plans and procedures.
• Support system integration and test activities.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Test Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 5+ years related experience or a Master's Degree with 3+ years' experience or a PhD with 1+ year of related experience.
• US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP), network architectures, network hardware, and standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11).
• Experience in network testing, quality assurance, or related roles. Familiarity with testing procedures for network components, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing and developing test projects, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Clear communication skills to explain and present technical issues, document findings, and provide guidance to team members.
• Proven history of meeting deadlines and maintaining quality work and documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex problems including network configuration and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt test procedures and methods based on evolving requirements, new technologies, and feedback.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr Principal Test Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years related experience or a Master's Degree with 6+ years' experience or a PhD with 4+ years of related experience.
• US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP), network architectures, network hardware, and standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11).
• Experience in network testing, quality assurance, or related roles. Familiarity with testing procedures for network components, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing and developing test projects, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Clear communication skills to explain and present technical issues, document findings, and provide guidance to team members.
• Proven history of meeting deadlines and maintaining quality work and documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex problems including network configuration and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt test procedures and methods based on evolving requirements, new technologies, and feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current DoD Secret clearance, recent investigation or CE.
• Experience testing, configuring, and troubleshooting network virtualization/emulation tools.
• Experience working on engineering development models, including planning, executing, and analyzing tests.
• Ability to analyze complex network issues, interpret test results, and identify problems.
• Experience with nuclear power generation or software enabled real time control systems.
• Experience with ICS/SCADA systems.
• Experience working with embedded software engineers and embedded operating systems, such as Linux and VxWorks.
• Experience in Network Cybersecurity (NIST RMF, DISA STIGs).
• General engineering background related to system power, mechanical assembly design, copper and fiber cable assemblies.
• Experience with the United States Navy or other military departments.
• Skills in programming languages (e.g., Python, Perl, C/C++) and scripting for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience in IP Networking (L2 and L3 Networks, IP multicast, IPv4 are a must (IPv6 and SDN would be a plus)).
• Proficiency with network testing tools and techniques, such as Wireshark, NetFlow, iperf, and automated testing frameworks.
• Skill in designing test cases that effectively cover the required network functionalities and scenarios.

What We Can Offer You

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.