Cyber Software Test Engineer – UI Automated Test Engr (26-381)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cyber Software Test Engineer – UI Automated Test Engr (26-381)

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering / Quality Assurance Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years inferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the development and implementation of automated testing frameworks for user interfaces (UI) within the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program.

• Drive software quality assurance by designing, building, and executing automated test scripts primarily in Python.

• Contribute to critical missile defense systems by ensuring the reliability and functionality of the C2BMC UI product suite through rigorous testing methodologies.

• Collaborate within an Agile development environment, leveraging modern software development and management tools to deliver high-quality software.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title specifies "Cyber Software Test Engineer," the core responsibilities and required skills lean heavily towards Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineering, with a strong emphasis on UI automation. The "Cyber" aspect likely relates to the security-sensitive nature of the defense systems being tested and the requirement for a Secret clearance, rather than direct cybersecurity engineering duties. The inferred experience level of 5-10 years aligns with the educational requirements and the expectation of designing and building an automated testing framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for the C2BMC User Interface (UI) using Java, C++, and Python.

• Design, build, and implement an automated testing framework specifically for the C2BMC UI product suite.

• Comprehend and translate complex test requirements into robust, executable automated test scripts, primarily using Python.

• Execute automated test scripts, analyze results, and identify, document, and report defects with clear, actionable details.

• Collaborate with software development teams to integrate automated testing into the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring continuous integration and rapid feedback loops.

• Participate actively in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives) to align testing efforts with development sprints.

• Utilize version control systems like Git and GitLab for code management and collaboration.

• Employ project management and issue tracking tools such as JIRA and Confluence for task management, documentation, and team communication.

• Support the overall software development lifecycle by contributing to test strategy, test planning, and test execution phases.

• Potentially contribute to the development of test tools and utilities to enhance testing efficiency and coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize building and maintaining an automated testing framework, which implies a need for candidates who can not only execute tests but also architect and implement testing solutions. The integration of Java and C++ development alongside Python for testing suggests a need for broad language understanding and the ability to work across different components of the UI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related technical field from an accredited university.

• Alternatively, a Master’s Degree in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience, or 12 years of directly relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in software engineering or a related technical field, with a strong focus on testing and quality assurance.

• Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing automated testing frameworks and scripts.

• Experience working within an Agile development environment is highly desired. Required Skills:

• Secret Security Clearance: Must possess a current, active, in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

• Python Programming: Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and test development.

• Automated Testing Expertise: Deep understanding of automated testing principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• UI Testing: Demonstrated experience in testing User Interfaces, with a preference for web application testing.

• Version Control: Fundamental knowledge of Git and GitLab for source code management and collaborative development.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with common software development and management tools, specifically JIRA and Confluence.

• Software Development Fundamentals: Solid understanding of software engineering principles and practices.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapt to unexpected tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• IAT Level II or Higher Certification: Current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND).

• Web Testing Frameworks: Experience with the Selenium framework for testing web applications.

• Additional Programming Languages: Experience with Java and C++ for software development, particularly in relation to UI components.

• Build & Dependency Tools: Knowledge of build automation and dependency management tools such as Maven and Gradle.

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Familiarity with IDEs like Eclipse and VS Code.

• Other Tools: Knowledge of ClearCase, Jenkins, PyAutoGUI, and Tesseract.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Secret clearance is a critical gating factor and must be current. The emphasis on Python for automation, coupled with experience in Java/C++ development for the UI, suggests a need for a versatile engineer. Preferred certifications (8140/IAT Level II+) and familiarity with specific tools like Selenium, Maven, and Gradle will significantly strengthen an application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two distinct projects demonstrating the design, development, and implementation of automated testing frameworks.

• Include examples of automated test scripts written in Python that target UI elements and functionalities.

• Provide evidence of integrating automated tests into a development workflow, ideally within an Agile or CI/CD context.

• Quantify the impact of automation efforts, such as reduction in testing time, increase in test coverage, or improvement in defect detection rates.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using version control (Git/GitLab) and issue tracking (JIRA) for managing test assets and defect reporting. Process Documentation:

• Document the architectural design of at least one automated testing framework, outlining components, dependencies, and integration points.

• Detail the process for creating, maintaining, and executing automated test scripts, including best practices for script readability and reusability.

• Illustrate the methodology for analyzing test results, reporting defects, and collaborating with developers to resolve issues.

• Explain how test requirements were translated into automated test cases and how test coverage was ensured for UI functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that prominently features their ability to build automated testing solutions, not just execute them. A strong portfolio will include code samples, framework architecture diagrams, and clear metrics demonstrating efficiency gains and quality improvements. Highlighting experience with CI/CD integration is also crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $75,800.00 - $113,800.00 USD per year.

• This range is a guideline and actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Plan

• Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Education Assistance (tuition reimbursement, etc.)

• Training and Development opportunities

• Flexible Work Arrangements (Note: This role is on-site, so flexibility may pertain to scheduling within the on-site context rather than remote work.)

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Potential for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule is implied, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role requires on-site presence in Colorado Springs, CO.

• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time for business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a general guideline for the specified experience level and location. Northrop Grumman's compensation philosophy considers multiple factors, indicating that candidates with highly sought-after skills or extensive experience within defense programs may negotiate towards the higher end of the range. The "Flexible Work Arrangements" benefit should be interpreted cautiously given the on-site requirement; it likely refers to how work is organized within the office rather than remote options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a major player in developing advanced systems for national security, space exploration, and defense.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This implies structured processes, established career paths, and significant resources.

Founded: 1939. A long history signifies stability, deep expertise, and a well-established presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Missile Defense Integration sector, specifically supporting the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program.

• The C2BMC program is a complex, integrated system requiring close collaboration across various engineering disciplines.

• The team likely comprises software developers, systems engineers, test engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and program management personnel.

• Reporting structure will be within a project or program management hierarchy, with direct oversight from a lead engineer or manager. Methodology:

• The C2BMC program operates within an Agile development environment, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation.

• Emphasis on rigorous data analysis and process optimization to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of critical defense systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices are paramount, driven by the need for speed and accuracy in testing complex software.

Company Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for Northrop Grumman, especially on a program like C2BMC, means contributing to national security initiatives. The culture likely values precision, security, adherence to process, and a commitment to mission success. The large company size means opportunities for specialization and cross-functional movement, but also potentially more hierarchical structures and established procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Software Test Engineer. This role is foundational for ensuring the quality of critical software systems. It requires a strong technical skillset and the ability to design and implement testing solutions independently. The focus is on technical contribution and expertise in automated testing.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will report to a lead engineer or manager within the Missile Defense Integration team, specifically supporting the C2BMC program. Collaboration will extend to software development teams and potentially systems engineering and cybersecurity teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the functionality, reliability, and security of the C2BMC system, which is crucial for U.S. missile defense capabilities. Ensuring the UI is robust and bug-free directly affects the operational effectiveness of strategic defense command and control.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in automated testing frameworks, UI automation tools (Selenium, PyAutoGUI), and specific programming languages (Python, Java, C++).

• Cybersecurity Path: Leverage the Secret clearance and potential 8140 certification to move into more specialized cybersecurity testing roles or roles requiring higher-level clearances.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Test Lead or Senior Test Engineer role, mentoring junior engineers, architecting test strategies, and managing test execution for larger projects.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to systems engineering, software development, and program management within the defense sector, opening doors to broader engineering roles.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue industry-recognized certifications in testing, Agile methodologies, or cybersecurity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Cyber" in the title, coupled with the clearance requirement, suggests a strong pathway into defense-focused tech roles. Growth can be both deep (technical mastery) and broad (moving into related engineering disciplines or management). The company's large size and focus on complex systems provide ample opportunities for long-term career development within the defense industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site work environment within a large defense contractor's facilities. This typically means professional office settings, potentially with specialized labs or secure areas for classified work.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, CO. This region is a hub for defense and space industries, offering a concentrated ecosystem of related companies and government agencies.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative, professional office environment designed for focused work.

• Access to robust IT infrastructure, including development workstations, testing environments, and secure networks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and collaboration with cross-functional teams (developers, systems engineers, cybersecurity analysts).

• Emphasis on security protocols and adherence to government compliance standards. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• On-site presence is mandatory.

• While the role is on-site, "Flexible Work Arrangements" may imply some flexibility in daily start/end times or occasional adjustments, subject to team and project needs.

• Travel is required up to 10% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is strict. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment within a highly regulated industry. The Colorado Springs location places the engineer in a strategic geographic area for defense technology work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of resume and qualifications, focusing on clearance status and core technical skills.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and/or senior engineers. Expect questions on:

  • Python automation scripting: Coding challenges, debugging scenarios, framework design.
  • Testing methodologies: Test strategy, test case design, defect management.
  • Tools and technologies: Familiarity with Git, JIRA, Confluence, Selenium, and other listed tools.
  • Agile concepts: Understanding of sprints, user stories, and CI/CD integration.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of selected projects demonstrating automated testing framework development, script examples, and quantifiable results.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills, teamwork, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within Northrop Grumman's environment.

• Security/Clearance Verification: Formal process to confirm the active Secret clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Framework Design: Highlight projects where you architected or significantly contributed to an automated testing framework.

• Showcase Python Scripts: Prepare clear, well-commented Python code examples demonstrating UI automation.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics (time savings, increased coverage, defect detection rates) to demonstrate the value of your automation efforts.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to walk through your approach to test case design, script development, execution, and defect reporting.

• Tailor to C2BMC: If possible, draw parallels between your portfolio projects and the challenges of testing a complex UI like C2BMC.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Practice Python coding problems, particularly those involving string manipulation, data structures, and basic algorithms, relevant to scripting and automation.

• Automation Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would automate testing for specific UI components or user workflows.

• Troubleshooting: Anticipate questions about debugging failed automated tests and identifying root causes.

• Tool Proficiency: Review the functionalities and common use cases for Git, JIRA, Confluence, and Selenium.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should go beyond simple script execution and demonstrate an ability to build and optimize testing infrastructure. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their contributions in detail and quantify the impact of their work. The security clearance is non-negotiable and will be a primary focus.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java, C++ (for UI development), Python (for automated testing).

• Version Control: Git, GitLab.

• Issue Tracking & Collaboration: JIRA, Confluence.

• Automated Testing Frameworks/Tools: Selenium (preferred), PyAutoGUI (potential usage).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly detailed, expect to use JIRA for defect tracking and reporting.

• Potential use of CI/CD tools like Jenkins for test execution and reporting integration.

• Custom reporting based on test script output and defect trends. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core responsibilities, as the focus is on software testing rather than sales or marketing operations. However, understanding the system context (C2BMC) is key. Other Potentially Used Tools:

• Build Tools: Maven, Gradle.

• IDEs: Eclipse, VS Code.

• Legacy Version Control: ClearCase (mentioned as preferred).

• Test Execution/CI: Jenkins.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Python for automation is paramount. Familiarity with the listed development tools (Java, C++, IDEs, build tools) is a significant advantage, especially given the UI development aspect. Understanding how these tools integrate within a CI/CD pipeline is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to national security and the success of critical defense programs like C2BMC.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and data security, given the sensitive nature of the work and clearance requirements.

• Excellence & Precision: Striving for accuracy, reliability, and high quality in all engineering and testing activities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance system capabilities and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with software developers, systems engineers, and potentially cybersecurity experts to ensure comprehensive testing and integration.

• Agile Practices: Open communication, active participation in team ceremonies, and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across the team.

• Process Adherence: Respect for established processes and protocols, particularly those related to security and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be highly professional, security-conscious, and mission-oriented. Expect a structured environment where teamwork and adherence to standards are critical. Candidates who thrive in collaborative settings and value precision will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex System Integration: Testing a large, intricate system like C2BMC with numerous interconnected components and interfaces presents significant complexity.

• Security Requirements: Navigating and maintaining a Secret clearance, and potentially working with classified data, requires strict adherence to security protocols.

• Evolving Threat Landscape: The need to test against evolving threats requires continuous adaptation of testing strategies and tools.

• Balancing Automation and Manual Testing: Determining the optimal balance between automated and manual testing for comprehensive coverage.

• Legacy Systems: Potential need to integrate with or test against older systems or infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement cutting-edge UI automation strategies and tools.

• Defense Systems Expertise: Deepen understanding of missile defense systems, battle management, and command and control technologies.

• Cybersecurity Skill Development: Leverage the clearance and role to pursue further training and certifications in cybersecurity testing.

• Agile and DevOps Practices: Enhance skills in CI/CD integration, test automation within DevOps pipelines, and related methodologies.

• Leadership Training: Potential for formal leadership development programs within Northrop Grumman for those aspiring to team lead or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to work on technically challenging, mission-critical systems. The primary growth path involves deepening technical expertise in test automation and cybersecurity within the defense sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed and implemented an automated testing framework from scratch. What were the key considerations, challenges, and outcomes?" (Focus on architecture, Python scripting, tool selection, and metrics).

• "How would you approach automating the testing of a complex UI with multiple interactive components and dynamic data?" (Discuss strategy, element identification, synchronization, data handling).

• "Walk us through your process for identifying test automation candidates. What criteria do you use?" (Emphasize repeatability, ROI, stability).

• "How do you ensure your automated tests are maintainable and provide reliable results over time?" (Discuss coding standards, modularity, error handling, reporting). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Northrop Grumman and specifically on the C2BMC program?" (Connect your skills and career goals to national security and advanced technology).

• "How do you handle working in a highly regulated environment with strict security protocols?" (Emphasize adherence to process, attention to detail, discretion).

• "Describe your experience working in an Agile team. How do you collaborate with developers and other team members?" (Highlight communication, feedback, and integration). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your framework design and Python automation skills.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, explain the problem, your solution (framework design, scripts), the tools used, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Showcase Code: Be prepared to share snippets of your Python code, highlighting best practices.

• Demo (if possible): If feasible and secure, a brief demonstration of an automated test execution can be impactful.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value your automation brought (e.g., reduced manual effort by X%, increased test coverage by Y%, caught critical bugs earlier).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with concrete examples and quantifiable results. Be ready to demonstrate your technical depth in Python automation and your understanding of the software development lifecycle within a defense context. Highlight your ability to work with sensitive information and adhere to security protocols.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers portal via the provided URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Python, automated UI testing, framework development, Git/GitLab, JIRA/Confluence, and any relevant 8140 certifications (IAT Level II+). Clearly state your active Secret security clearance.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your best work in automated testing, focusing on framework design and Python scripting. Be ready to present case studies with quantifiable results.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to automation strategy, problem-solving, and working in secure environments.

• Research Northrop Grumman & C2BMC: Understand the company's mission, values, and the critical role of the C2BMC program in national defense. This will help you articulate your interest and align your responses with their objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.