Senior Principal Test Engineer – Space Systems

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's Dulles Satellite Manufacturing Facility integrates, tests, and launches state-of-the-art space vehicles.  This includes commercial communications and broadcasting satellites, Earth and space science spacecraft, national security satellites and deep-space spacecraft in support of missions for commercial and government Earth imaging, space science, communications and national defense.

The Integration and Test Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (ITME MGSE) Lead is an engineering support position, maintaining thousands of ancillary pieces of equipment used to facilitate flight hardware building and operations.  Proof tests, quality assurance, remote launch campaign travel (10%), and strict attention to detail are essential.  This role also includes interfacing with design engineering and identifying MGSE needs and concepts. 

Individual will work with inventory control and storage systems/software. Strong work ethic and ability to enforce/lead process adherence in others across various disciplines/groups.  Inventory management systems, like WiseTrack or AssetSmart, and long-term planning for large, complex systems' shipping logistics/experience desired.  Crane, forklift, and mechanized equipment familiarity and preventive maintenance scheduling also preferred.  Engineering degree or equivalent experience.

·   No design work; manufacturing production environment where Engineers coordinate system-level builds and empower touch-labor Technicians.  Weekly interfacing with Program managers, Functional supervisors, and other disciplines like Elec/RF/QA is required, so good communication skills under occasionally stressful situations is essential.

·   Hands-on work around extremely fragile space product installations and heavy Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE). 

·   Detailed technical knowledge in manufacturing including interpreting complex engineering drawings, schematics, and diagrams.  Authoring electronic work instructions, working with Design Engs to review pre-release drawings and provide feedback to minimize design impacts on downstream usage/manufacturability.

·   100% adherence to established ISO processes, diligence to detail, and efficient execution with quality results for cost effectiveness *absolutely required*. Suggests and evaluates Process Improvement ideas.   Continuously strives for cost/schedule reductions at project level.

·   Ability to learn quickly.  Must have "a touch" for both delicate hardware and robust, heavy support equipment with understanding of manufacturing techniques/applications like proof testing, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) like dye penetration, moments with center of gravity.  Must have virtually zero defects in workmanship.

·   Ability to proactively identify issues, escalate to appropriate channels, and *offer* solutions to engineering/management for review.  Works independently with QA on difficult/challenging solutions and projects from Engineering.

·   Ability to work with diverse team, receive and incorporate constructive feedback from Safety and QA support personnel, and understudy with assigned mentor for up to 3 months is required.

·   Knowledge of advanced machine shop principles helpful.  Little to no machine shop work is done by I&T Engs, but interfacing with Machine Dept. required on occasion.

·   Ability to lead, teach, and constructively critique constant influx of new hires and rotating program staff required. 

·   Ability to foresee and communicate broader project level tasks beyond day-to-day assignments with Estimates To Completes.  Helps plan 6-month look-aheads with projects and its leadership to avoid pitfalls .  Participates in complex nonconformance resolutions.

·   Helps manage tactical MGSE operations, including resource loading, priorities, and communication with numerous project/program teams.

·   Focus for this level is *cost efficient execution of the mechanical team* through process improvements and solutions.  All operations require a "Buddy system" for checks and balances.

·   Security Clearance not required, but ability to initiate clearance process *strongly* preferred

Second/third shift 24/7, weekend work, and occasional 4+ weeks travel on launch campaigns (sometimes international travel) are *required* of everyone.  Occasional short-term projects with travel required.  A rotating off-shift coverage allows Engineers to plan ahead up to 3 months, but last minute requests are common to support the dynamic schedules seen in I&T.

Basic Qualifications:

- The candidate must be a U.S Citizen and shall possess a  BS + 5 years of experience: MS +3 years of exp; PhD + 0 years of exp, 4 additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of the degree.

- Knowledge of 3D modeling, Excel, Word, and Power point are required.

- Understanding of Clean Room requirements, Hazardous Material Handling, Hazardous Operations protocols, and related operational protocols

- The ability to support and maintain work areas up to company ESD, FOD and 5S standards.

- Hands-on knowledge and experience with the use of a variety of hand tools and mechanical equipment with the ability to read, interpret, and execute work to mechanical assembly drawings, wire lists and BOM's.

- The ability to demonstrate technical knowledge in manufacturing operations and procedures. - Ability to perform epoxy bonding and polymeric application as it pertains to space flight hardware.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Solumina MES, TipQA, Windchill, CREOView, and Spacecraft processing knowledge preferred. Experience with critical/hazardous operations a plus

Salary Range: $117,700 USD - $176,500 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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 most positions.