Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Principal Electronics Engineer - Ground System Architect/Integrator to join the team of qualified individuals in our Avionics Integration Organization. This leadership role is located onsite in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. Once established in the role, this position could offer a hybrid work environment. Scheduled telework days are approved at manager's discretion. This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
***Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related professional/military experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related professional/military experience
- Demonstrated experience with Ground Segment
- Understanding of Ground System architecture including UAV Command and Control (C2), classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances and government external interfaces
- Familiarity with full hardware integration and Software Development Life Cycles
- Familiarity with Prime and supplier proposal development including technical evaluations of supplier proposals
- Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Understanding of Ground System architecture including UAV Command and Control (C2), classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances and government external interfaces
- Knowledge of, or experience with, common ground approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security needs
- Experience managing hardware and Software related issues with a supplier-based interaction as part of a Government/DOD contract
- Experience with government acquisition related to hardware and software development, and sustainment activities
- Experience with Agile software development, integration, and testing
- Experience with programming and scripting languages
#blue
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related professional or military experience
- Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related professional or military experience
- PhD in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related professional or military experience
- Demonstrated experience with ground segment systems
- Understanding of ground system architecture, including UAV command and control, classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances, and government external interfaces
- Familiarity with full hardware integration and software development life cycles
- Familiarity with prime and supplier proposal development, including technical evaluations of supplier proposals
- Active United States Government Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Knowledge or experience with common ground approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security needs
- Experience managing hardware and software issues through supplier interaction under a Government or Department of Defense contract
- Experience with government acquisition related to hardware and software development and sustainment
- Experience with Agile software development, integration, and testing
- Experience with programming and scripting languages
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
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.








