Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Position Overview

At Northrop Grumman, our employees work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives globally and shape our future. As part of the Systems Engineering organization at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems in San Diego, CA – working on-site at the Rancho Carmel location – you will help lead the development of RF waveform designs. You'll define system requirements, model and optimize waveforms, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and verify performance through rigorous testing.

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: 10% of the Time

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software, hardware, and test engineers) to define and refine system requirements for RF waveform projects.
• Model, simulate, and optimize RF waveforms using industry-standard tools to ensure peak performance.
• Develop robust test plans and verification procedures to validate waveform functionality and performance.
• Analyze system performance data and implement iterative improvements.
• Document design specifications, test procedures, and performance results in clear technical documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout all stages of development from concept to production.
• Stay current with emerging RF technologies and industry standards to continuously enhance system capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Proven expertise in creating and refining technical requirements and system specifications along with a strong proficiency in RF theory using 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 aptitude to analyze complex systems and propose timely, cost-effective solutions.
• Experience in system analysis, integration, and test, with a strong work ethic in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• Working knowledge of requirements management software.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Experience Levels:
  • Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science in STEM with 5 years experience; 3 years with a master’s degree; 1 year with a Ph.D.
  • Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science in STEM with 8 years experience; 6 years with a master’s degree; 4 years with a Ph.D.

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 and high proficiency with communication system and network modeling tools.
• Background in communications theory and knowledge of both commercial and military wireless networking technologies.
• Experience in developing communication waveform processing techniques and architectures to support advanced multifunction mission systems.
• Model-Based System Engineering experience, particularly using Cameo.
• Experience developing and presenting technical documentation and briefings to leadership.
• Familiarity with sub-disciplines such as System I&T, Mode Development, IPT Leadership/CAM, System Architecture, Modeling Simulation & Analysis, and Risk & Opportunity Management.
• Active/Current DoD Secret Clearance and ability to obtain DoD Special Program Access (SAP).

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00; Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00.
• Relocation Assistance: May be available.
• Eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses, including annual bonuses to reward individual contributions.
• For senior positions, potential for Long Term Incentives.
• A variety of benefits including health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.