Ground Test Conductor / Principal Ground Test Conductor - System Test Specialist

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Palmdale
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Ground Test Conductor / Principal Ground Test Conductor - System Test Specialist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Special Test Equipment organization. This role is located in Palmdale, CA. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Plan and schedule test events Work with Responsible Engineers (REs) and System Test Engineers (STE) to develop test procedures, perform test article operations in a production environment. Plan, coordinate, and conduct test operations as an approved test conductor, to include test documentation preparation, engineering briefs/debriefs, and will lead our team through test execution. The selected candidate will also: Provide support for post-test data processing and analysis as required to support test objectives. Provide first line engineering support for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test, supervision, and direction to maintenance personnel for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to systems under test. Analyze and interpret test data, provide recommendations to engineering and leadership for alternate means of compliance as required, and support development and execution of test objectives. *This position may be filled at either level 2 or level 3 based on experience* Basic Qualifications Level 2: Must have a High School diploma or equivalent AND 6 years of related professional/military experience OR a Bachelor of Science degree AND 2 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree AND 0 years of related professional/military experience. Must have experience in a system test environment Must have an active DoD Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Must be able to work multiple shifts: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift. 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift. Basic Qualifications Level 3: Must have a High School diploma or equivalent AND 9 years of related professional/military experience OR a Bachelor of Science degree AND 5 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 1 year of related professional/military experience. Must have experience in a system test environment Must have an active DoD Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Must be able to work multiple shifts: 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift. 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift. Preferred Qualifications: BS/MS/PhD Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline Experience as a Test Engineer that includes test planning, execution, and operations. Experience in an aircraft maintenance/operations environment. Active Program clearance. Active Top Secret clearance. Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Lakewood , Ground Test Conductor / Principal Ground Test Conductor - System Test Specialist, Engineering , Palmdale, California