Northrop Grumman

Sr Principle Electrical Engineer - C&DH

Northrop Grumman$122K — $184K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM field (preferably Electrical Engineering) with 8 years of related experience; less experience required for advanced degrees.
  • Technical expertise in Electrical Systems or Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystems.
  • Experience in flight hardware development, including MRB, PM&P, and assembly documentation.
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI.
  • Hands-on mentality and capabilities in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture design of spacecraft Command & Data Handling systems, including various data buses and processing units.
  • Define and oversee the electrical system architecture for alignment with related subsystems.
  • Drive the design and integration of flight computers and telemetry systems.
  • Establish and maintain system-level requirements and verification strategies.
  • Oversee integration efforts between hardware and software systems and validate electrical connectivity.
  • Guide harness implementation ensuring reliability and manufacturability.
  • Lead design reviews and mentor junior engineers in technical areas.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Job Description:

Northrop Grumman is seeking a highly experienced and technically authoritative Electrical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and implementation of Command and Data Handling (C&DH) systems for advanced spacecraft platforms. You will be responsible for the Electrical System design, architecture, and the required avionics that control the spacecraft's functions, manage data flows, both internal and with external systems, storing data, receive commands and transmits data to ground station(s) or other satellites. This role operates at the senior principal level and is responsible for driving system-level electrical design across flight hardware, ensuring robust, reliable, and scalable data and control architectures.

This individual will serve as a key technical leader, influencing cross-disciplinary teams spanning avionics, software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and mission operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the end-to-end architecture of spacecraft Command & Data Handling systems, including data buses, processing units, and system interfaces.
  • Define and own electrical system architecture, ensuring alignment across C&DH, electrical subsystems, and harness design
  • Drive design and integration of:
    • Flight computers and embedded processing systems
    • Data buses (e.g., SpaceWire, CAN, Ethernet, RS-422/485)
    • Telemetry, command, and fault management systems
  • Establish and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification strategies
  • Oversee hardware/software integration, ensuring seamless interaction between flight software and electrical systems
  • Perform electrical interface compatibility verifications and verify electrical connectivity implementation (e.g. verify electrical harness implementation, safety-critical circuit segregation, support peer-reviews).
  • Guide and review harness architecture and implementation, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and maintainability
  • Lead design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.) and support mission readiness activities
  • Mentor junior engineers and act as a technical authority across multiple programs
  • Manage hardware command and telemetry implementation (e.g. develop and coordinate calibration and conversion curves for analog telemetry in coordination subsystem engineers, verify electrical/software implementation).
  • Identify Electrical Systems and C&DH risks, develop risk mitigation plans for selected risks, and implement mitigations.
  • Interfacing with design and manufacturing groups to monitor component production process/progress to include Integration & Test (I&T) and relaying that status to management along with potential solutions to stay on target.
  • Provide technical oversight to ensure the C&DH electrical system is compliant and verifiable at the avionics digital and analog telemetry level.
  • Lead the costing & scheduling development for the C&DH subsystem on major programs from initial RFP efforts through end of program life. Develop cost estimates for proposals and programs as required.
  • Candidate must be comfortable with managing program execution from a technical perspective, meeting deadlines, working on multiple projects concurrently, and working with various engineering disciplines and internal/external customers as required.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in a STEM area (preferably Electrical Engineering) and 8 Years of related experience; 6 Years related experience with Masters; 4 Years of related experience with PhD.
  • Technical experience in Electrical Systems or C&DH subsystem Engineering
  • Experience with flight hardware development, including Material Review Boards (MRB), Parts, Materials & Processes (PM&P), procurement, assembly documentation, and End Item Data Packages (EIDP)
  • Ability to obtain a TS Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI
  • Hands-on mentality and a passion for fast-paced environments.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading teams of engineers managing resources and schedules
  • Experience with requirements tracking tool such as DOORS or CAMEO
  • Digital design experience (MBSE)
  • Experience developing FPGAs
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and creating variance reports
  • Active TS and/or SCI


Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

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Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

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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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Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

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Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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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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