staff software engineering QA Engineer tech_leadership · Posted May 12, 2026
$89,400 – $134,200
USD per year

About this role

Northrop Grumman is hiring a staff-level QA Engineer in the software engineering function based in Apopka, FL. The posting calls out experience with Testing, Data Analytics. Compensation is listed at $89,400–$134,200 per year.

Role
QA Engineer
Function
software engineering
Level
staff
Track
Tech leadership
Location
Apopka, FL
Work mode
On-site
Visa
Not sponsored
Posted
May 12, 2026
AI Summary
Staff-level QA Engineer at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems designing and developing test solutions for secure, integrated defense systems. Requires expertise in test engineering, mission-critical software validation, and security protocols. Based in Apopka, Florida with 10% travel.

Job description

from Northrop Grumman careers

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Test Engineer based in Apopka, Florida.

We offer great learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

What you will get to do:

* Design, develop and implement testing methods and optical / mechanical equipment.
* Plan and arrange the labor, schedules, and equipment required for testing and evaluating standard and special devices.
* Provide test area with parameters for sample testing and specifies tests to be performed.
* Compile data and define changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements.
* Responsible for testing all customer samples and for special tests that cannot be performed in the test area.
* Review, interpret, and analyze formal and informal requirements.

The ideal candidate will:

* Possess a complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in Optics/Photonics. General knowledge of other related disciplines.
* Provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives.
* Work under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Basic Qualifications for Test Engineer:

* A bachelor’s degree in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; OR a master’s degree in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with 3 or more years of relevant work experience; OR a PhD in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
* Experience with COTS (common off the shelf) equipment used in laser manufacturing laboratories e.g., laser diodes, energy/pulse width detection, optical devices, and mounts, etc.
* Experience with optical design software such as Zemax, CodeV, etc.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
* U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with engineering development tools such as CAD, Optical Design, with exposure to laser measurement/analysis techniques.
* Lab experience with VIS, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR camera imaging parameters such as MRC and MRTD.
* A current DoD Secret Clearance

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that 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!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00

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.

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