Principal OR Senior Principal Field Service Engineer – Network and Communications

Principal OR Senior Principal Field Service Engineer – Network and Communications (DEPLOYABLE) Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal OR Senior Principal Field Service Engineer – Network and Communications to support the MQ-4C Triton Program at RAAF Base Tindal in Australia (forward operating base). This role involves providing real‑time operational and maintenance support for network and communications systems within a military flight test environment. Description Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal OR Senior Principal Field Service Engineer – Network and Communications to join our team at RAAF Base Tindal in Australia. This position will be in our Avionics Integration Organization supporting the MQ‑4C Triton Program. The selected candidate will receive daily tasking and prioritization from their site lead. The role requires full‑time on‑site work in Australia, with no remote work available. Responsibilities Provide real‑time support for flight operations and maintenance addressing any issues related to communications and networking to include fault isolation, remediation, and resolution. Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications and data link systems in a military flight test environment, including operations on a flightline, in a hangar, and in command‑and‑control centers. Adhere to checklists and procedures to ensure repeated success and provide redlines to procedures when necessary. Communicate complex technical issues to local support, the Degrader Action Cell (DAC), Main Operation Bases (MOBs), and Responsible Engineers (REs). Support and lead air‑crew engagement for proper techniques in solving complex analysis of technical problems that arise during operations. Assist with trend analysis as needed for Responsible Engineers (REs). Perform/support review and analysis of supplier design data and definition of functional test requirements including acceptance, qualification, and system integration. Responsibility for the testing, maintenance, and integration of comms and networks equipment to include radio terminals, software loads, switches, routers, and firewalls required to support ground and flight test operations. Work with system administrators, maintainers, and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair any internal operational issues. Basic Qualifications – Principal Field Service Engineer Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience. Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification (e.g., Security+CE, CCNP, CISSP) within a reasonable time. Competence in Linux, troubleshooting, engineering documents, tools and equipment. Familiarity with comms/networking operations. Ability to support assignment at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia for a minimum of 18 months. Ability to pass a new‑hire physical if required. Active DoD Top Secret clearance (within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation). Ability to obtain and maintain SCI access. Ability to obtain a CI Polygraph. Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance within a reasonable time. Basic Qualifications – Senior Principal Field Service Engineer Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience. Same certification and clearance requirements as for Principal level. Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels Active DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification. Technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, e.g., routers, firewalls, switches. Experience with test equipment: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Experience with communication technologies; examples include IP networks, VoIP, IA, satellite and LOS RF communications, control interfaces, and co‑site interference. Operations and maintenance experience at a field site. Salary Range Primary Level: $82,900.00 – $124,300.00Secondary Level: $103,200.00 – $154,800.00 Benefits As a Northrop Grumman employee, you may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. A variety of benefits are offered, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and/or personal business. Other Details Relocation assistance: none available.Travel: yes, 10% of the time.Temporary domestic assignment in San Diego, CA prior to international deployment; training duration 3‑4 months. EEO Statement 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, 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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