RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Mission Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Air-to-Ground) to join our organization. Our organization within Northrop Grumman Mission Systems offers the opportunity to join a team to solve problems in the field and drive new solutions into next generation systems across a wide variety of platforms and environments. You will support the Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) team on multiple major development programs.
This position is based out of Linthicum, MD and will be 100% on-site.
What You'll get to Do:- Develop radar system architectures for air-to-ground missions (e.g., SAR, ISAR, GMTI/T, Targeting, Weather, Surface Return, Sea Surface Search, Ship Track, etc.).
- Lead requirements analysis, allocation, and flow-down to subsystems (RF front-end, signal processing, interfaces).
- Own and maintain system/subsystem specifications and ICDs, ensuring traceability to mission and platform needs.
- Perform radar performance modeling (SNR, detection range, resolution, clutter, false alarm rates).
- Conduct trade studies on waveforms, antenna configurations, processing approaches, and platform constraints.
- Use modeling tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.) to evaluate design options and support technical decisions.
- Plan and execute lab, field, and flight tests to verify radar performance against requirements.
- Develop test procedures, define success criteria, and analyze test data to identify issues and drive corrective actions.
- Support problem-solving across hardware, software, and signal processing teams.
- Serve as a key technical contributor within multi-disciplinary teams.
- Prepare and present technical material for internal reviews and customer briefings.
- Support proposals and technical volumes, contributing to concepts, architectures, and estimates.
This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access. Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, Master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- U.S Citizenship is required
- A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
- Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
- Experience in Radar Air-to-Ground applications, including developing and applying models in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++
- Experience with radar or RF systems, with demonstrated contributions in systems engineering, modeling, or integration.
- Knowledge of air-to-ground radar concepts and modes.
- Experience with modeling/analysis tools such as MATLAB and/or Python.
- Ability to develop and manage requirements, specifications, and ICDs.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline.
- Experience with airborne radar programs (development, integration, or sustainment).
- Experience with systems engineering tools or model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
- Familiarity with digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and real-time implementation constraints.
- Experience leading small technical teams or work-packages
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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.
