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Northrop Grumman
Staff Field Engineer Secret clearance - 17355
Career Insights for Mechanical Testing Engineer
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What they do
A Mechanical Testing Engineer designs and runs verification methods, test reports, and assists with troubleshooting for mechanical engineering projects.
$114,969 / year median in California
+5% projected growth
Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START
YesCLEARANCE 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 is currently seeking a Staff Field engineer, The Staff Field Engineer supports Sentinel Systems Test Team by planning, leading, and executing field integration and test activities at ranges and customer sites. This role blends hands-on equipment/vehicle operations (installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, modification, transport, roll-transfer, and stage-handling support) with engineering leadership including procedure development, test planning, acting as Test Conductor, and verification/validation of system performance. Responsibilities- Plan, develop, and maintain field procedures, work instructions, and checklists for Sentinel test operations (installation, roll-transfer, stage transportation/handling, AVE emplacement/retrieval, and equipment maintenance).
- Develop test plans and test procedures; lead test execution as Test Conductor, including pre-briefs/debriefs, as-run documentation, anomaly tracking, and coordination with range safety/test leadership.
- Perform hands-on installation, configuration, upgrade, removal, and fielding of Sentinel systems, roll-transfer hardware, stage transportation fixtures, AVE emplacement equipment, and integrated subsystems.
- Lead integration and readiness activities: verify configuration, validate interfaces, confirm equipment status, and ensure all prerequisites are met for safe operations and testing.
- Troubleshoot complex issues across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and controls elements; perform root-cause analysis and verify corrective actions through re-test/inspection.
- Coordinate field engineering changes and configuration control: implement approved updates, generate redlines/as-builts, and validate performance after incorporation.
- Execute/oversee roll-transfer and stage-handling operations using carts/rails/hoists/alignment tools; ensure precise and safe movement under approved procedures.
- Support loading, securement, transport, and offload of missile stages and related hardware using heavy equipment while ensuring compliance with handling, lifting, and transport requirements.
- Maintain strong communications with customer representatives, range safety officers, test directors, and operations teams regarding status, risks, constraints, and anomalies.
- Provide on-site technical guidance and training to technicians/operators/customer support personnel on procedures, safe equipment operation, and test execution discipline.
- Produce and maintain required documentation (test reports, maintenance logs, discrepancy/anomaly reports, configuration records, transport manifests, and chain-of-custody documentation).
- Operate and/or oversee operation of large vehicles and heavy equipment in compliance with range safety protocols, including required pre-checks and securement practices. Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree and 12+ years of relevant experience or Associates degree with 14 years' experience or high school diploma / equivalent with 16 years may be accepted in lieu of degree
- Field engineering or missile maintenance experience with progressively increasing responsibility; prior work on weapons systems, rocket/propulsion test assets, or heavy-defense systems strongly preferred.
- Proven innovation strengths and strategic value creation \- 10 years' experience aerospace fabrication and design implementation
- Experience leading teams
- Strong communication skills including technical writing and verbal communication
- Proficient in MS Office Products - PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Excel
- Knowledge of test principles and processes
- Good organizational skills and ability to work with minimal direction
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope Preferred Qualifications
- Qualifications/certifications such as forklift, crane/rigging, aerial lift, fall protection, CDL, or similar.
Certifications:
OSHA, forklift/crane operator certification, hazardous materials handling (HAZWOPER or equivalent).- Experience with range safety, explosives/propulsion safety standards, or defense contracting environments.
- Active U.