Senior Principal Test Design Hardware Engineer
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 19, 2026 · 9d ago
United States-Waynesboro-Virginia
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
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.
At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
We are looking 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 accomplish what’s considered impossible. Our employees have made significant historical contributions and are shaping the future.
Join a design community that offers unique design challenges that combine the talents of multiple engineering disciplines including Hardware, Firmware, Software, Mechanical Design, Systems Engineering and Program Management.
This position is based out of Waynesboro VA and will be 100% on-site
This requisition may be filled as a Principal Test Design Hardware Engineer or a Senior Principal Test Design Hardware Engineer.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Design creative and flexible HW solutions with a motivated team of experts
• HW Design Examples:
• Console Design
• Interface Panel Layouts and Interconnections
• Power/Cooling Monitor and Control
• RF Design
• Electronic Circuit Design
• SW/HW integration
• Requirements verification
• Actively support the investigation, resolution and documentation of product anomalies
• Understanding Design to Cost, Scope and Schedule
This position is contingent upon the ability to obtain/maintain an active
U.S. Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Test Design Hardware Engineer:
• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience in hardware design
• Experience with integrated (analog, power, digital) hardware Design
• Experience in panel design, cable design, and schematic layouts
• Experience with lab test equipment (such as Network Analyzers, DMM and O-Scopes)
• Effective verbal and written communication
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Test Design Hardware Engineer:
• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience in hardware design
• Experience with integrated (analog, power, digital) hardware Design
• Experience in panel design, cable design, and schematic layouts
• Experience with lab test equipment (such as Network Analyzers, DMM and O-Scopes)
• Effective verbal and written communication
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline
• Automated Test Equipment (ATE) design and integration background, a plus
• Ability to work with minimal direction and guidance
• Experience with LabWindows CVI, C / C++ programming
• TestStand programming
• Proficiency with digital, analog, RF test equipment, RF theory and high-speed digital design
• Familiarity with differential digital interfaces like LVDS - PXI/PXIe and VME bus experience
• Experience with schematic design tools (e.g., Mentor Graphics, Zuken, Capital, etc.)
• Experience with hands-on troubleshooting with electrical hardware and software automation
• PCB Layout a plus
• Technical Lead experience (Sr. Principal)
• Active Secret or higher clearance
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
- Platform
- eightfold
- Effort
- medium
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off