Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for a Consulting Systems Engineer to support the Systems Engineering organization in San Diego, CA . This position requires on-site support and will be worked out of the Rancho Carmel location
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced System Engineer with strong hands-on experience in system integration, simulation, and testing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (including software, hardware, and test engineers) to define, capture, and refine system requirements.
- Develop robust test plans and verification procedures to validate waveform functionality and performance.
- Analyze system performance data and implement iterative improvements to meet evolving requirements.
- Document design specifications, test procedures, and performance results in clear and concise technical documentation.
- Provide technical guidance and support during all stages of development, from concept through production.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry standards to continuously enhance system capabilities.
This position is contingent upon proposal and task award, Clearance and Customer Approval
Basic Qualifications for Consulting Systems Engineer:
- Bachelor of Science degree in STEM field with 16 years of experience; 14 years with a master’s degree; 12 years with a Ph.D.
- Proven expertise in creating and refining technical requirements and system specifications.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with software and test engineering teams to translate designs into deployable and verifiable solutions.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex systems and propose timely, cost-effective solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong aptitude for technical documentation and reporting.
- System analysis and/or integration and test experience
- Strong work ethic and the ability to work in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
- Working knowledge of requirements management software
- Direct experience with Integration and test
- Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or telecommunications industries.
- Must have active Government Secret Clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with software-defined radio (SDR) and digital signal processing (DSP) environments.
- High proficiency with tools required for communication system and network modeling and simulation
- Background in communications and commercial and military wireless networking technologies
- Experience developing and presenting technical documentation and briefings to the customer and organization leadership.
- Ability to obtain Government Special Program Access (SAP)
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 16 years experience (or 14 years with Master's; 12 years with Ph.D.)
- Proven expertise creating and refining technical requirements and system specifications
- Experience collaborating with software, hardware, and test engineering teams to translate designs into verifiable solutions
- System analysis, system integration, and integration & test experience
- Direct experience with integration and test (I&T) activities
- Working knowledge of requirements management software
- Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or telecommunications industries
- Must have active Government Secret Clearance
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical documentation ability
- Ability to work in an integrated product team (IPT) environment and strong work ethic
- On-site support at Rancho Carmel, San Diego (must be local/on-site)
- Hands-on experience with software-defined radio (SDR) and digital signal processing (DSP) environments
- Proficiency with communication system and network modeling and simulation tools
- Background in commercial and military wireless networking technologies
- Experience developing and presenting technical briefings to customers and leadership
- Ability to obtain Government Special Program Access (SAP)
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.







