Northrop Grumman

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer / IPT Lead

Northrop Grumman$142K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent STEM discipline required.
  • 8 years of experience with a BS, 6 years with a MS, or 4 years with a PhD.
  • US citizenship required; ability to obtain a government security clearance.
  • Experience in systems engineering lifecycle from requirements to test.
  • Understanding of RF theory and antenna design essential.
  • Familiarity with serial and Ethernet communication protocols is necessary.
  • Experience with software radio, digital signal processing, and embedded electronic systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the technical direction for the SIDE Operating Unit as IPT Lead.
  • Design, document, build, test, troubleshoot, and repair electronic/radio products.
  • Collaborate with the Chief Engineer on project schedules and resource coordination.
  • Mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative team environment.
  • Conduct technical briefings and translate complex concepts for DoD customers.
  • Support program management with cost and schedule performance assessments.
  • Travel for field testing and support, estimated at 10% of the time.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance and life/disability insurance coverage offered.
  • Savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business provided.
  • Opportunities for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses available.
  • Potential for long-term incentives for higher leadership roles.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Uncleared

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

We are looking for you to join our team as the Sr. Principal Systems Engineer/Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead located in Chantilly, Virginia to focus on the technical direction across the entire SIDE Operating Unit.

We are looking for a cleared, uniquely qualified mission oriented, individual with background and hands-on experience with electronics, RF Engineering, Electronic System design, integration, and maintenance, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), or Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

You will be part of a highly dynamic program team that provides both engineering and field technical support services to a DoD customer. The ideal candidate will be comfortable providing proactive leadership on engineering initiatives, owning technical solutions from concept through delivery. You will be expected to perform both independently and as part of a fast-moving team to design, document, build, test, troubleshoot and repair electronic or radio products as required by the customer and the program. Furthermore, in this role as the IPT Lead Sr. Principal Systems Engineer, you will partner with the Chief Engineer to develop and maintain project schedules, track milestones, and coordinate resources across multidisciplinary teams. This will include leading technical briefings and reviews with DoD customers, translating complex RF/SIGINT/EW concepts into clear, actionable information. You will also be looked to mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative environment focused on high-quality documentation and rigorous analysis.

Practical hands-on experience with electronic/electrical/RF design tools, software, test/measurement devices, and troubleshooting/repair skills are a must. Most designed products will be for airborne applications and must meet or exceed technical requirements for manned or unmanned aircraft operations. The engineer will design and deliver highly technical professional implementation of NGMS products, as well as customer furnished equipment (CFE), to solve customer problems with a focus toward real-time mission support. Support will include field testing of selected equipment and software. The engineer must be able to work with minimal supervision and support. The position requires excellent oral and written communications skills; strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and proficiency with various types of test equipment and design/diagnostic software packages.

Candidates must be able to communicate concisely and effectively with all levels of program personnel and customers using verbal and/or written communications. Candidates will author, distribute and maintain formal and informal reports on all activities. Candidates must be highly motivated, self-starters with excellent teamwork and communications skills. Candidates must always maintain a highly professional demeanor and a positive mental attitude. The program can be a high pressure, no-fail, highly dynamic, rapidly changing, and challenging work environment.

Travel is estimated at 10% to CONUS locations as required. Candidates must be willing to work extended hours, nights and weekends during mission critical time periods.

Position is located in Chantilly, VA.

Basic qualifications include:
  • Must have a minimum Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline.
  • 8 years of experience with Bachelors in Science; 6 years of experience with Masters; 4 years of experience with PhD
  • US citizenship is required with the ability to obtain a government Security clearance
  • Demonstrated experience in systems engineering across the lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, and test).
  • Design and development of electronic systems and/or software
  • Solid understanding of RF theory and antenna design
  • Solid understanding of serial and Ethernet communication protocols
  • Knowledge of software radio, digital signal processing, embedded electronic systems
  • Experience with INS and GPS concepts
  • Experience with Windows and Linux OS
  • Develop SE artifacts such as CONOPS, ICDs (with detailed electrical and signal interfaces), verification cross reference matrices, and system-level documentation
  • Identify, manage, and communicate technical risks and opportunities, including development of mitigation plans, particularly around electrical performance, EMI/EMC, and power margins
  • Support program management with estimates to complete (ETC), basis of estimates (BOEs), schedule inputs, and cost/schedule performance
  • Interface with customers and internal leadership, presenting technical status, plans, and issues in a clear and concise manner
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers in systems and electrical engineering best practices and processes


Preferred Qualifications Include:
  • Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
  • Experience in EW and/or SIGINT systems integration
  • Experience with network design and architecture
  • Technical knowledge of modern communications signal sets
  • Experience with Digital Signal Processing design / integration
  • Experience with CISCO routers, switches and software
  • Experience of TCP/IP networking over satellite communications
  • Experience with UAV and/or manned ISR/SIGINT/EW payload design and integration
  • Experience performing OCONUS/CONUS mission maintenance field support
  • Knowledge of DoD IA requirements
  • Knowledge of 3-D Mechanical and Thermal design (SolidWorks)


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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

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Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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