Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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 looking for a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to support the Systems Engineering organization in San Diego, CA .  This position requires on-site support and will be worked out of the Rancho Carmel Location.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced System Engineer to lead the development of RF waveform designs. This role will involve defining system requirements, modeling and optimizing waveforms, collaborating with software development teams, and verifying performance through rigorous testing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in RF systems along with hands-on experience in system integration, simulation, and testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (including software, hardware, and test engineers) to define, capture, and refine system requirements for RF waveform projects.

• Model, simulate, and optimize RF waveforms using industry-standard tools to ensure peak performance in diverse environments.

• Develop robust test plans and verification procedures to validate waveform functionality and performance.

• Analyze system performance data and implement iterative improvements to meet evolving requirements.

• Document design specifications, test procedures, and performance results in clear and concise technical documentation.

• Provide technical guidance and support during all stages of development, from concept through production.

• Maintain awareness of emerging RF technologies and industry standards to continuously enhance system capabilities.

This position is contingent upon proposal and task award, Clearance and Customer Approval

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science degree in STEM field with 5 years of experience; 3 years with a master’s degree; 1 years with a Ph.D.

• Proven expertise in creating and refining technical requirements and system specifications.

• Strong proficiency in RF theory as well as experience with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent).

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with software and test engineering teams to translate designs into deployable and verifiable solutions.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex systems and propose timely, cost-effective solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong aptitude for technical documentation and reporting.

• System analysis and/or integration and test experience

• Strong work ethic and the ability to work in an integrated product team (IPT) environment

• Working knowledge of requirements management software

• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science degree in STEM field with 8 years of experience; 6 years with a master’s degree; 4 years with a Ph.D.

• Proven expertise in creating and refining technical requirements and system specifications.

• Strong proficiency in RF theory as well as experience with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent).

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with software and test engineering teams to translate designs into deployable and verifiable solutions.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex systems and propose timely, cost-effective solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong aptitude for technical documentation and reporting.

• System analysis and/or integration and test experience

• Strong work ethic and the ability to work in an integrated product team (IPT) environment

• Working knowledge of requirements management software

• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline.

• Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or telecommunications industries.

• Familiarity with advanced optimization techniques and tools for RF waveform development.

• Hands-on experience with software-defined radio (SDR) and digital signal processing (DSP) environments.

• Exposure to integrated system testing and validation.

• Experience with waveform development 

• High proficiency with tools required for communication system and network modeling and simulation

• Background in communications theory and commercial and military wireless networking technologies

• Development of communication waveform processing techniques and architectures in support of Northrop Grumman’s advanced software defined multifunction mission systems

• Model Based System Engineering experience, especially using Cameo

• Experience developing and presenting technical documentation and briefings to the customer and organization leadership.

• Experience in one or more of the following sub-disciplines: System I&T, Mode Development, IPT Leadership/CAM, System Architecture, Modeling Simulation & Analysis, Risk & Opportunity Management

• Active/Current DoD Secret Clearance

• Ability to obtain DoD Special Program Access (SAP)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.