CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25 of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Field Technician 3/4.  This position is in Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA and supports the Sentinel program.

What You’ll Get To Do:

Perform installation, operation, maintenance, repair, modification, and test support for Sentinel, roll-transfer systems, and missile stage transportation at test ranges and customer sites. Executes emplacement and retrieval of AVE systems, conducts roll-transfer and stage-handling operations, integrates and validates subsystem performance, coordinates field engineering changes, maintains strong customer and range-safety communications, and may provide onsite training to customer support and range personnel. Role requires operation and driving of large vehicles and heavy test equipment under range safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities
• Install, configure, upgrade, and remove Sentinel test equipment, AVE emplacement, roll-transfer mechanisms, stage-transportation fixtures, and integrated subsystems at test ranges and field sites.
• Operate and position AVE/emplacement hardware; perform emplacement, leveling, anchoring, and alignment tasks to prepare missile and payload support systems for test operations.
• Conduct roll-transfer operations for missile integration and removal, including use of transfer carts, rails, hoists, and alignment tools to ensure safe and precise movement.
• Load, secure, transport, and offload missile stages and associated hardware using heavy transport vehicles, cranes, forklifts, and specialized handling fixtures while following handling and lifting procedures.
• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and modifications on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control elements of emplacement/transfer/transport systems to ensure mission readiness.
• Execute diagnostic testing (functional, alignment, integration tests) on equipment; collect, analyze, and document performance data to validate system readiness.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in minimum time using test instrumentation, schematics, and diagnostic procedures; implement corrective actions and temporary field fixes when required.
• Coordinate engineering field changes and design updates with engineering, incorporation of change orders into field configurations, and verification of implemented changes.
• Maintain strict adherence to range safety plans, hazardous materials handling, weight/balance limits, and transport/handling regulations while performing emplacement and transfer operations.
• Communicate effectively with range safety officers, test directors, engineers, and customer representatives regarding status, anomalies, risks, and completion of assigned tasks.
• Provide onsite training and technical guidance to customer, range, and support personnel on AVE emplacement, roll-transfer procedures, stage transport, and safe equipment operation.
• Prepare and maintain accurate service logs, test reports, maintenance records, load/transport manifests, and chain-of-custody documentation for missile stages and test hardware.
• Operate and drive large vehicles and heavy equipment (flatbeds, heavy-duty trucks, boom/crane carriers, forklifts, tow tractors) and ensure vehicle/equipment pre-checks, securement, and compliance with transport certifications.
• Follow and enforce quality, safety, and environmental procedures, including PPE use, lockout/tagout, confined-space precautions, and emergency response protocols.
 

Position Benefits:

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Job Qualifications:

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

Level 3:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 4+ years of hands-on experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting electronic/mechanical systems or field equipment.

Level 4:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 6+ years of hands-on experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting electronic/mechanical systems or field equipment.

Required for Both Levels:

• U.S. Government DoD interim secret security clearance with ability to receive active secret clearance.

• Demonstrated experience with system integration, transportation of complex equipment and field upgrades.

• Strong problem-solving and diagnostic skills; ability to work under pressure.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for customer interaction and reporting.

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and work at customer sites; flexible schedule.

• Ability to lift heavy equipment and work in varied environmental conditions.

• Working Conditions

• Field-based role with frequent travel to customer sites, remote locations, and outdoor environments.

• Work may require climbing, lifting, working in confined spaces, and exposure to varying weather conditions and noise levels.

• Regular use of hand tools, test instrumentation, laptops/tablets, and transport vehicles or large field equipment.

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a clean driving record; ability to operate and drive large equipment/vehicles.

• Technical certificate or associate degree in electronics, electrical engineering technology, mechanical technology, or related field preferred.

• Experience with Sentinel product family or similar integrated systems.

• Prior field service or test team experience supporting complex systems in operational environments.

• Training or certification in safety, vehicle operation, or specialized equipment handling.

• Familiarity with remote diagnostic tools, test equipment, and standard maintenance practices.

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00

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 candidates experience, education, skills and current spanet 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.