Principal Electronics/ Sr Principal Electronics Engineer – Communications

Posted 5 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Provides engineering support for communications payload subsystems, including requirements coordination, supplier management, technology assessments, trade studies, system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and performance improvement. Collaborates with program management on schedules, risks, issues, and technical recommendations, while reporting subsystem status to leadership. The position is full-time, on-site in San Diego or Palmdale, requires an active Top Secret clearance, and involves up to 25% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Electronics/ Sr Principal Electronics Engineer – Communications to join our team either in San Diego (Rancho Bernardo), CA or Palmdale, CA. The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct.


The selected candidate will provide key engineering support for a communications payloads subsystem and will report directly to the subsystem engineering technical lead and program manager.


Roles and Responsibilities will include:

  • Coordinating communication subsystem technical requirements to supplier management team.
  • Managing suppliers to assess new technology and its viability to meet program requirements
  • Conducting thorough trade studies and analyses to weigh the benefits and/or detriments of new communication hardware and software
  • Collaborating with program management to build program schedules, assess risks and issues, and deliver technical recommendations to relevant stakeholders
  • Addressing and correcting deliverable subsystem performance concerns via program identified tools/systems
  • Identifying opportunities for deliverable system improvement and working with engineering teams to implement in accordance with approved program process
  • Reporting Comms subsystem status to programmatic and technical team leadership and identifying risks/issues/concerns in order to prevent increased cost or schedule loss
  • Providing direct user support, engineering expertise, and troubleshooting during test events

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility.  There is NO remote / hybrid / telework available for this position.  Travel up to 25% may be required.


***This position may be filled either at the Principal Electronics Engineer level OR at the Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer level based on the qualifications listed.***


Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal Engineer: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience. 
  • Sr. Principal Engineer:  Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience. 
  • Experience in hands-on SW development with Python, Java, C++, and/or MATLAB to enable the exploitation of large sets of data. 
  • Experience in Communications and Network system integration
  • Experience with RF and Network based test equipment to include oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and power meters
  • Technical development and systems integration experience.
  • Experience with managing suppliers.
  • Must have an active US Government Top-Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government SCI clearance 
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current Special Access Program access
  • Supplier Management Experience
  • Experience leading cross-discipline teams
  • Experience serving as a proposal estimator
  • Experience in technical writing such as tech volumes & white papers
  • Network training/certifications (Network+, Security+, CCNA, etc.)
  • Experience with Network Encryption Devices (INE, HAIPE. etc.)
  • Familiarity with common industry standards related to communications and network-based systems, such as MIL-STD-1553, RS-232/422, Ethernet (IPv4/IPv6)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary 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.

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 engineering experience for Principal level
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience for Principal level
  • PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience for Principal level
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience for Sr Principal level
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience for Sr Principal level
  • PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience for Sr Principal level
  • Hands-on software development experience with Python, Java, C++, and/or MATLAB
  • Experience in communications and network system integration
  • Experience with RF and network-based test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and power meters
  • Technical development and systems integration experience
  • Supplier management experience
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government SCI clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance
  • Current Special Access Program access
  • Experience leading cross-discipline teams
  • Experience serving as a proposal estimator
  • Technical writing experience, including technical volumes and white papers
  • Network training or certifications such as Network+, Security+, or CCNA
  • Experience with network encryption devices such as INE and HAIPE
  • Familiarity with communications and network standards including MIL-STD-1553, RS-232/422, and Ethernet IPv4/IPv6

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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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