
Principal Systems Engineer
Compensation
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Job Description
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.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, but they’re also making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
This position will be located in Chantilly, VA at the SIGINT Technology Center's (STC). The STC is where technology and teamwork come together to meet the unique needs of the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. The STC is comprised of multiple mission-focused programs with projects ranging from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) SIGINT payload and data link development to OCONUS/CONUS mission/maintenance support. STC tasks include system design, engineering development, system integration, hands-on build and test, field operations and maintenance, training, and production.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to design, integrate, enhance, and productionize solutions
Support the assembly, test, and documentation for hardware components, software integration, and systems of systems
Interface and collaborate with customers, end users, operators, and field representatives
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of system architecture & mission operations to be able to communicate both upwards and outwards
Conduct Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), failure analysis, documentation development, and operations development
Develop and maintain requirements
Participate in test events
This requisition will be filled at the Principal Systems Engineer level.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:
Must have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline.
Minimum of 5 Years of experience with a Bachelor's degree; Minimum of 3 Years with Master's degree; Minimum of 1 Years experience with PhD.
U.S. citizenship is required. Active Secret clearance needed to start. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
Strong interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, demonstrated by frequent and successful application of technical standards, theories, concepts, and techniques
A background and strong demonstrated success in test, design, and integration
Knowledge of RF and radio communication system components & functions
Experience with lab test equipment such as function generator, oscilloscope, multi-meter, spectrum analyzers, etc.
Knowledge and familiarity with Windows and Linux Operating Systems, specifically the ability to execute in command line and rapidly navigate both operating systems
Experience with requirements management
Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Hands-on experience with VPX chassis integration, configuration, and testing.
Familiarity with SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) and CMOSS (C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards) alignment requirements.
Networking Proficiency
Strong knowledge of SIGINT operations
Experience with Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) and failure analysis
Demonstrated experience in documentation and operational processes development
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Job Details
- Category
- Aerospace Engineering
- Employment Type
- Full time
- Location
- 1400 Key Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209, US
- Posted
- Dec 17, 2025, 07:00 PM
- Listed
- Jan 5, 2026, 12:35 AM
- Last updated
- Jan 8, 2026, 02:11 PM
- Compensation
- $114,000 - $171,000 per year
About Northrop Grumman
Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.
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