The AMS E&S organization at Northrop Grumman Missions Systems in Baltimore, Maryland is seeking Digital-RF subsystems integration and test engineers for individual contributor roles supporting subsystem development, controls integration, and verification activities.
This role is focused on digital and RF subsystem integration and test with a strong emphasis on controls integration spanning FPGA and embedded software implementation on system-on-chip FPGA platforms. Work is performed with general direction from technical leads while exercising sound engineering judgment in executing assigned objectives and solving technical problems.
The qualified candidates will work with a diverse and talented team of engineers developing innovative and cost-effective systems that support a broad range of products and business areas across the lifecycle of a program. Applicants should possess the ability to communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings.
Responsibilities may include:
- Integration of Digital-RF subsystem hardware and representative lab test environments
- Integration of new equipment and programs in a state-of-the-art facility
- Software development for automating test processes, controls verification, and data analysis
- Troubleshooting digital, embedded software, FPGA, and RF issues during subsystem integration and test
- Analyzing test data and identifying early trends
- Supporting program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions
- Collaborating with design engineering for hardware, controls, firmware, embedded software, and test improvements
- Subsystem analysis including digital architecture, signal paths, and hardware interfaces from RF front end through digital processing
- Support for performance testing, requirements verification, and more.
In addition, this candidate should have demonstrated technical ability and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Digital-RF subsystem integration, test, and system integration
- System-on-chip FPGA integration and bring-up
- Embedded software and controls integration for hardware platforms
- Development and verification of subsystem controls across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries
- Highly integrated digital-RF subsystems and antenna hardware for active electronically scanned array (AESA) systems
- Electronic warfare, radar, communications, or related mission-system principles and their system applications
- Comfortable creating test support applications and tools using MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing tools
- Conducting Test Readiness Reviews and/or Design Readiness Reviews
- Concept of operations development for integration and test activities
- Executing subsystem and system level testing – both in engineering development and manufacturing environments
These roles are contingent upon candidates having a current, active government Secret Clearance.
These roles are contingent upon Program Award.
This is a Dual-level opening, candidates will be considered at both a level 2 (Engineer) or 3 (Principal Engineer) based upon the Basic Qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualification - Engineer Digital-RF Subsystems Integration & Test:
- Must hold a Secret or Top-Secret security clearance
- Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 2 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or Master's Degree with 0 years of experience. An additional 4 years of experience is acceptable in lieu of degree.
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools
- Experience with digital and/or RF subsystem integration and test or design
- Experience supporting hardware bring-up, verification, or troubleshooting activities
Basic Qualification - Principal Digital-RF Subsystems Integration & Test Engineer:
- Must hold a Secret or Top-Secret security clearance
- Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 5 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or Master's Degree with 3 years of experience or PhD with 0 years of experience. An additional 4 years' experience is acceptable in lieu of degree.
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools
- Experience with digital and/or RF subsystem integration and test or design
- Experience supporting hardware bring-up, verification, or troubleshooting activities
- Experience integrating or troubleshooting FPGA, embedded software, or system-on-chip FPGA-based hardware
Preferred Qualifications:
- TS/SCI clearance
- SAP clearance
Strong knowledge of:
- Setting up lab, system integration, and Digital-RF hardware test environments
- Control architectures and controls integration for hardware with firmware, embedded software, and system-on-chip FPGAs
Knowledge of:
- RF and antenna theory, including RF performance analysis
- Python
- VHDL/Verilog
- C/C++
- Test development experience for lab test environments and subsystem hardware
- Experience troubleshooting digital-RF subsystems
- Understanding of digital signal processing chains
- Experience working with and supporting engineers across firmware, software, power, and RF test teams
Skills Required
- Current active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 0 years of experience; an additional 4 years of experience may substitute for the degree
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools
- Experience with digital and/or RF subsystem integration and test or design
- Experience supporting hardware bring-up, verification, or troubleshooting activities
- For the Principal Engineer level: Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 3 years, or PhD with 0 years; an additional 4 years may substitute for the degree
- For the Principal Engineer level: experience integrating or troubleshooting FPGA, embedded software, or system-on-chip FPGA-based hardware
- TS/SCI clearance
- SAP clearance
- Knowledge of RF and antenna theory, including RF performance analysis
- Knowledge of VHDL/Verilog and C/C++
- Test development experience for laboratory test environments and subsystem hardware
- Understanding of digital signal processing chains
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
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