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Staff Engineer Systems Test - Data Reduction - R10221978

Northrop Grumman San Diego, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $161,000 - $241,400 / year

Posted Feb 6, 2026Apply by Mar 8, 2026

Role & seniority: Staff Systems Test Engineer - Data Reduction Lead (Level 5); mid-senior, individual contributor (no direct reports)

Location & work type: Rancho Bernardo, CA; full-time

Travel: ~10%; relocation assistance may be available

Stack / tools: data-processing software; Python, MATLAB, C++ (or comparable); configuration management; software release processes; CI/CD; automated testing

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Implement software best practices for configuration management of parsing tools

  • Plan, design, and develop data processing systems software; lead multidisciplinary data-analysis workflows

  • Determine user needs, analyze system capabilities, resolve program-input/output challenges; design archival/retrieval utilities for post-mission data

Must-have skills

  • STEM degree with 12 years (bachelor) or 10 years (master) or 8 years (PhD) of related experience

  • Active DoD Secret clearance or higher (with BI within 6 years or Continuous Evaluation) and ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret

  • Ability to work autonomously on complex data-analysis problems; experience leading flight-test, mission-data analysis, or post-mission data workflows

  • Experience in data-processing software development using Python, MATLAB, C++

  • Willingness to obtain Special Program Access (PAR)

Nice-to-haves

  • Active Top Secret clearance

  • Experience with CM, version-control, CI/CD, automated testing

  • Communications & networking experience

  • Systems-test

Full Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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 is seeking a Staff Systems Test Engineer-Data Reduction Lead (Level 5). This position will be located in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

In this position, the Data Reduction Lead will join the Global Surveillance Division supporting day-to-day operation of the AISR&T-RQ4 Enterprise. You will support an experienced and diverse team responsible for downloading and processing critical flight data in support of multiple programs across multiple sites and countries in accordance with program requirements. As this work spans across a diverse set of stakeholders, this leader will be expected to collaborate effectively and partner across organizations – Program Managers, Lab Managers, Chief Engineers as well as various disciplines such as Communications, Navigation, Electrical Power, and Flight Controls just to name a few – to ensure day-to-day functions of the organization are executed. This role requires a proactive individual who is willing to multi-task frequently and work in a dynamic environment.

Note: This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Key Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

Implementing SW best practices for improved Configuration Management of the parsing tools Conducting multidisciplinary research and plan, design, and develop a data processing systems software Determine computer user needs and analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls Prepare operating instructions Design and develop utility program supporting the flight data archival and retrieval process and procedures ensuring that the post mission data has been requested and subsequently received from the individual Forward operating sites

Basic Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 12 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional/military experience. Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Clearance. Must have ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while supporting complex data‑analysis problems across multiple programs, leading defect investigations, and delivering technical guidance to team members. Experience leading (or acting as the technical focal point for) flight‑test, mission‑data analysis, and/or post‑mission archival/retrieval workflows. Experience in data‑processing software development using languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or comparable tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Active DoD Top Secret Clearance Demonstrated experience with configuration‑management, version‑control and software‑release processes (CI/CD, automated testing). Communications & Networking experience Systems‑test engineering experience (test‑plan development, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, real‑time data validation).

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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.

Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Quality Assurance Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing

Data Reduction LeadAISR&T-RQ4 Enterprise SupportFlight Data ProcessingConfiguration ManagementData Processing Systems Software DevelopmentUtility Program DesignData Archival and RetrievalPythonMATLABC++DoD Secret ClearanceTop Secret ClearanceSpecial Program Access (PAR)Autonomous WorkTechnical GuidanceFlight-Test Data Analysismulti-location

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