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Sr Principal Engineer Software - Mission Systems

Compensation
$142,200–$213,400/year

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Join the Northrop Grumman team to develop the next generation of software for the next generation of platforms.  Support development and integration of the latest technologies - AI/ML, Quantum computing, cloud, and digital design – to impact future generation aircraft.  Become part of the team that will give our war fighters the advantage over our adversaries. Bring your bold new ideas, and pioneering spirit to our team to invent the future and have some fun along the way.  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

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Staff Electronics Engineer – Mission Systems for the Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) team in El Segundo, CA or San Diego (Rancho Bernardo), CA. This full-time, onsite role (no remote/hybrid) and requires up to 25% travel.

Accomplish

Responsible for designing mission systems technical baselines (subsystems, components, software) to meet platform requirements. Lead trade studies, technical analysis, modeling & simulation, risk/opportunity management, and support strategic objectives.

Decompose system-level requirements, track/report metrics, and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, peers, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Mission system element design, capability assessment, interface decomposition, verification/validation planning, and mission integration during development

  • Advise programs as subject matter expert, mentor junior engineers, conduct independent reviews of milestones and technical work products

  • Support technical business development (proposals, white papers)

  • Oversee technical activities within Mission Systems IPT, ensuring sound engineering processes

  • Engage customers/end users to translate requirements into deployable products

  • Perform subsystem trades, analysis of alternatives, modeling, and simulation for mission effects, data, or capabilities (including air vehicles, payloads, ground segments, mission planning, CONOPS, DRM, system security, and interfaces)

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s in STEM with 8 years related engineering experience (platform mission systems: mission computing, communications, sensors), OR Master’s in STEM 6 years related experience, OR • PhD in STEM 4 years related experience

  • Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)

  • Ability to obtain/maintain Special Access Program (SAP) and DoD Top Secret clearances

  • Experience supporting Supplier SSOW, SRD, and scope discussions

  • Current, active in-scope DoD Secret or higher security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

  • Significant experience in at least two of the following:

    • Technical leadership on DoD development projects System architecture concepts/solutions

    • Performance modeling & simulation

    • Designing systems with COTS/GOTS components for DoD interoperability

    • RF or EO/IR systems for sensing, EW, or communications

    • Non-kinetic effects (cyber operations) DoD cyber requirements,

    • RMF,

    • solutions identifying/managing system capabilities, producing architecture artifacts Preparing/reviewing architecture designs and presenting at DoD customer reviews

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance

  • Prior SAP or SCI clearance

  • Engineering experience on a DoD program

  • Significant architecture, design, integration, and test experience

  • Systems engineering experience (requirements derivation/flow-down, verification/validation)

  • Experience leading design of mission systems/subsystems

  • Experience across product lifecycles (R&D, development, production, sustainment)

  • Demonstrated success as an engineering leader over large teams

  • Exceptional communication skills

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.

Primary 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.

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Job Details

Category
Software
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
El Segundo, CA
Posted
Apr 27, 2026, 08:00 PM
Listed
Apr 28, 2026, 08:20 PM
Compensation
$142,200 - $213,400 per year

About Northrop Grumman

Part of the growing frontier tech ecosystem pushing the edges of what's possible.

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Sr Principal Engineer Software - Mission Systems
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