Principal / Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Warner Robins, GA +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman supporting automated test station development and sustainment programs. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining test stations, integrating hardware, optimizing LabVIEW applications for data acquisition and reporting, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Requires experience with test instrumentation, communication protocols, and version control. Security clearance is required.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design, develop, and maintain automated test stations
  2. Integrate custom hardware (sensors, actuators, power supplies, DUT adapters, etc.) with test rigs, ensuring signal integrity and safety compliance.
  3. Develop, debug, and optimize LabVIEW applications for test sequencing, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
  4. Create and maintain reusable LabVIEW libraries, instrument drivers, and UI components.
  5. Collaborate with product engineering, QA, and manufacturing to define test requirements and acceptance criteria.

Skills

Required

  • Proficiency in LabVIEW
  • Strong hands-on skills with hardware integration: wiring, PCB layout basics, connectors, power supplies, and signal conditioning.
  • Experience with common test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum analyzers, source-measure units, function generators, etc.).
  • Knowledge of communication protocols such as GPIB, USB, Ethernet, RS-232/485, and CAN.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, mechanical drawings, and test specifications.
  • Familiarity with version-control systems (Git, SVN) and basic software development practices (code reviews, unit testing).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently or in a cross-functional team.
  • U.S Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance

Nice to have

  • NI-Certified LabVIEW Developer certification
  • Experience with real-time or PXI platforms and FPGA-based LabVIEW implementations.
  • Proficiency in additional programming languages (Python, C/C++, MATLAB) for data processing or instrument control.
  • Background in designing custom test fixtures or enclosures using CAD tools (SolidWorks, Altium, or similar).
  • Ability to write technical documentation and create training materials for end-users.
  • Currently hold a U.S Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance (or higher)

What the JD emphasized

  • Secret level security clearance