Logo
Northrop Grumman

Principal or Senior Principal Network and Communications Field Service Engineer

Northrop Grumman, Fairfax

Save Job

Principal or Senior Principal Network and Communications Field Service Engineer - R

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Network and Communications Field Service Engineer to support the MQ‑4C Triton network and communications systems at RAAF Base Edinburgh, near Adelaide, Australia. The role involves daily tasking from the site lead and requires a combination of hands‑on technical expertise and strong communication skills.

Location & Travel

RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide, Australia. Travel up to 50% of the time once in the final location.

Relocation & Clearance

Relocation assistance: None. Clearance required: Top Secret. Visa, CIA Polygraph, SCI access, and Special Access Program clearance may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide real‑time support for flight operations and maintenance, addressing issues related to communications and networking, including fault isolation, remediation, and resolution.
  • Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications and data link systems in a military flight test environment – on the flightline, in a hangar, and in command‑and‑control centers.
  • Adhere to checklists and procedures, and update them 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 diagnosing and solving operational problems.
  • Assist with trend analysis as needed for Responsible Engineers.
  • Review and analyze supplier design data, defining functional test requirements including acceptance, qualification, and system integration.
  • Test, maintain, and integrate communications and network equipment – radio terminals, software loads, switches, routers, and firewalls – required for ground and flight test operations.
  • Collaborate with systems administrators, maintainers, and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair internal operational issues.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Field Service Engineer

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; or Master’s degree and 3 years of experience; or PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) certification within a reasonable time.
  • Competence in Linux, troubleshooting, engineering documents, tools and equipment.
  • Familiarity with communications/networking operations.
  • Commitment to a minimum 18‑month assignment at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
  • Pass a new‑hire physical if required for OCONUS location.
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.
  • Ability to obtain a CIA Polygraph.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Field Service Engineer

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; or Master’s degree and 6 years of experience; or PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • Same certification, competence, familiarity, commitment, and clearance requirements as above.

Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels

  • Active DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) certification (e.g., CCNA Security, Security+CE, CCNP, CISSP).
  • Technical expertise in network and computer hardware and software interconnection – routers, firewalls, switches.
  • Experience with test equipment: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators.
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
  • Experience with IP networks, VoIP, Information Assurance, satellite and LOS RF communications, control interfaces, and co‑site interference.
  • Field‑site operations and maintenance experience.

Salary and Benefits

Primary Level: $85,600 – $128,400. Secondary Level: $106,800 – $160,200. Salary may be adjusted based on experience, education, skills and market conditions. Eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and benefits including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EEO Statement

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit Northrop Grumman EEO . U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and other restricted positions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr