Sr Principal Engineer Systems (AHT)

Sr. Principal Engineer Systems (T39504)

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Northridge, CA is currently seeking a Sr. Principal Engineer Systems to serve as the Integrated Product Team Lead for Test Equipment on the AARGM family of missile programs.

In this critical role, the Sr. Principal Engineer Systems will lead a cross-functional Integrated Product Team (IPT) in development, validation, assembly, sustainment, and related lifecycles for test equipment used in manufacturing and test of missile subsystems for U.S. Navy and U.S Air Force programs. The selected candidate will serve as the technical authority, driving key decisions to ensure production readiness, and will be responsible for the planning, validation, and sustainment of test equipment including technical data packages and associated process documentation. The selected candidate will act as the primary interface with internal stakeholders, operations leadership, and program management to ensure test equipment supports production programs.

Success in this role will reflect extensive experience in leading and managing technical and non-technical teams through production readiness activities for defense products and systems. Experience in technical data package development, test equipment development and qualification, transition-to-production, and equipment sustainment is required, as this position will demand both technical leadership and knowledge of production requirements. Skills and experience in multi-discipline engineering, supplier integration, and cross-functional coordination are preferred, as the role will require the ability to balance technical rigor, cost, and schedule to achieve program objectives.

There is no remote/hybrid/telework available for this position. Relocation assistance, while not guaranteed, may be available. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Northridge, CA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL) for the Production Test Equipment.
• Serve as the authority for all aspects of the equipment readiness efforts across the program's portfolio.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the equipment readiness, working closely with program management, supply chain management, and engineering functional management to align the technical execution and deliverables with overall program objectives.
• Provide clear direction to the cross-functional engineering team, ensuring development and production goals are met, risks are mitigated, and issues are driven to timely closure.
• Identify improvements related to manufacturability and testability to enhance quality, cost reduction, operational performance, and improve yield.
• Support internal program and business leadership by preparing and delivering briefs, program reviews, risk assessments, and product/program roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional efforts related to producibility, rate and capacity engineering projects with a team of development engineers, manufacturing engineers, and industrial engineers.
• Support proposal development and substantiation of related contract activities.
• Support capital, facility, and other resource identification to secure discretionary funding requests for equipment needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field with 8 years of experience; 6 years with Masters; 4 years with PhD.
• Prior experience with production test equipment development, verification, and sustainment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with related disciplines and teams.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a track record of navigating through ambiguity and developing actionable plans.
• US Citizen with an active U.S. Government DOD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in transition from Technology Development to EMD, EMD to Limited Rate Production and product life-cycle engineering.
• Experience with measuring test equipment effectiveness including availability, performance, and quality.
• Experience with Production Readiness Reviews (PRR).
• Experience with manufacturing capacity planning.
• Experience with estimating tasking including authoring and approving Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for Proposals.
• Experience in Missile Development and/or Airborne Systems.

Living in Northridge offers a perfect combination of urban living with the beauty of nature. It is a short drive away from downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, or the rest of the San Fernando Valley. Take advantage of your flexible work schedule to enjoy shopping at the local Northridge Fashion Center or spend time at the local Recreation Center as well as easy access to nearby protected natural areas such as the Chatsworth Reservoir, the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, Lake Balboa or within driving distance, spend a day at the beach or snow ski at our local mountains. With Cal State Northridge right in the heart of town, the area has an active college-town energy combined with family-friendly suburban charm. The stunning southern California climate makes for year-round easy living. With an average of 284 sunny days during the year, it is safe to say you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor activities to the fullest.

Primary Level Salary Range: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00 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 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit Northrop Grumman's website.