Staff Missile Test Laboratory Lead 5 (AHT)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

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 Defense Systems is seeking a Staff Missiles Test Laboratory Lead as a level 5 test engineer to join the Advanced Weapons group in Northridge, CA. We are seeking an experienced Missiles Test Laboratory Lead 5 to oversee multiple Missiles Test Labs (MTL) and to lead the lab managers of each one. As a member of the Test and Evaluation Engineering department, the MTL Lead will develop operating procedures of labs as well as support weapons programs with the integration and testing of various systems in collaboration with hardware, systems and software engineering teams.

This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position.  Applicants must have a current US Government Secret security clearance.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The MTL Lead will help manage the operations of multiple integration laboratories that will require to track inventory and create processes for laboratory operations customized for multiple weapons programs and activities. The laboratory environments will cover a broad spectrum of electronic devices from the component level to the fully integrated system, including software and software configuration management. The selected candidate will be involved in laboratory operations including, but not limited to: laboratory design, test planning, scheduling, execution and reporting, process creation, coordination with operations, standard operation rollouts, and reporting to leadership on lab deficiencies and successes. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lab Development & Integration

• Manage and support the development of laboratory spaces in partnership with engineers, security, and other stakeholders to develop and test missile components and subsystems.
• Provide input on the architecture of integration facilities, specifying state‑of‑the‑art lab equipment, defining infrastructure requirements, and overseeing procurement of hardware.

Program & Test Management

• Define resource requirements for missile flight‑test campaigns and other hardware/software integration activities in the labs.
• Brief management on lab status and progress.

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Contribute to integration and test of hardware and software on a wide range of systems in collaboration with a diverse group of engineers.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Enforce all applicable safety protocols (DOE, OSHA, DoD, NTIA) and ensure proper hazardous‑material handling.
• Conduct risk assessments, safety briefings, and incident investigations; maintain compliance with policies and procedures.

Operational Efficiency & Process Development

• Identify organization‑wide efficiencies, streamline current plans while still meeting program needs, and implement cost‑saving measures.
• Create, document, and roll out lab processes and guidelines; ensure users adhere to rules and maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment.

Data Management & Equipment Tracking

• Organize and maintain detailed records of lab equipment, hardware, and instrumentation tracking and audit purposes.
• Work with internal customers to define and document instrumentation, data requirements, and test planning, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis to satisfy test objectives.

Team & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with program managers, system engineers, vendors, and subcontractors; facilitate lab briefs, reviews of operations, and needs.

Budget & Resource Control

• Manage laboratory budget, procure equipment, negotiate contracts with vendors and subcontractors.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) with 12+ years of experience OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of experience.
• Experience with Test and Evaluation processes and procedures to support both management and engineering tasks within a Test Laboratory environment
• Experience with test procedures, development, and execution, including management of software configurations
• Proficiency with common test equipment
• Current US Government Secret security clearance
• Effective communication and detailed organization skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Top Secret Clearance
• Knowledge of SW integration
• Troubleshooting systems and hardware set up
• Experience with hypersonic or directed‑energy missile programs.
• Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, Cameo).

#LI-MA.

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.