Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal / Senior Principal Electronics Engineer based out of Baltimore, MD with 25-50% travel to customer locations within the United States.
*Most travel is expected after development efforts in Baltimore are complete or nearing completion.*
What You’ll get to Do:
Join our highly skilled Field Engineering team and support the development, integration, test, and sustainment of advanced radar and mission systems supporting the Tactical Fighters Business Unit. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex electronic and RF-based systems critical to mission success, with responsibilities spanning radar hardware/software integration, troubleshooting, verification, root cause analysis, and product sustainment.
You will play a key technical role across the product lifecycle, supporting engineering execution from requirements analysis through system integration, lab and field test, issue resolution, and customer support. This position is well suited for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands-on environment, applies strong technical judgment to solve difficult problems, and communicates effectively across engineering disciplines and customer interfaces.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Support all phases of the system lifecycle with primary emphasis on radar hardware/software integration, test execution, system verification, and product sustainment.
Perform complex electronics and electrical troubleshooting on Prime Mission Equipment and associated test equipment in both laboratory and field environments.
Lead or support integration, test, data analysis, and digital instrumentation activities associated with radar and electronic systems.
Participate in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations, failure analysis, and development of corrective actions to resolve technical issues and improve product performance.
Research, design, develop, and test a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar assemblies, subsystems, and test equipment components.
Use standard and specialized laboratory equipment, including digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers, to diagnose issues and validate system behavior.
Support the development and execution of lab system test setups, test readiness activities, and disciplined test operations.
Interface frequently with internal engineering teams, program leadership, and customer representatives to communicate technical status, identify risks, and drive issue resolution.
Balance multiple assignments effectively while demonstrating initiative, technical ownership, and sound engineering decision-making.
Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
This position may be filled as a Principal Electronics Engineer or a Senior Principal Electronics Engineer.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Electronics Engineer:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience; or a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 3 years of related engineering experience.
Strong understanding of hardware/software integration and test.
Knowledge of RF engineering, radar functionality, and radar hardware.
Experience using standard and specialized laboratory equipment, including digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers, to diagnose issues and validate system behavior.
Experience with using test tools to troubleshoot and repair radar systems in laboratory and/or field environments.
Ability and willingness to travel to domestic customer locations for business trips and short-term assignments (25-50% travel).
US Citizenship and current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance required. Must have the ability to obtain/maintain SAP clearance and/or program-specific clearances.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Electronics Engineer:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 8 years of related engineering experience; or a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 6 years of related engineering experience.
Strong understanding of hardware/software integration and test.
Knowledge of RF engineering, radar functionality, and radar hardware.
Experience using standard and specialized laboratory equipment, including digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers, to diagnose issues and validate system behavior.
Experience with using test tools to troubleshoot and repair radar systems in laboratory and/or field environments.
Ability and willingness to travel to domestic customer locations for business trips and short-term assignments (25-50% travel).
US Citizenship and current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance required. Must have the ability to obtain/maintain SAP clearance and/or program-specific clearances.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with radar functionality and hardware at the component level.
Experience with lab system test setups, modes of operation, communications interfaces, and disciplined test execution.
Experience working with complex RF devices and advanced electronic systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage multiple technical tasks, and execute with limited oversight.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience for Principal level
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 3 years of related engineering experience for Principal level
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 8 years of related engineering experience for Senior Principal level
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 6 years of related engineering experience for Senior Principal level
- Strong understanding of hardware/software integration and test
- Knowledge of RF engineering, radar functionality, and radar hardware
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers
- Experience using test tools to troubleshoot and repair radar systems in laboratory or field environments
- Ability and willingness to travel to domestic customer locations for business trips and short-term assignments, 25–50%
- U.S. citizenship
- Current and active U.S. Government Secret clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance and/or program-specific clearances
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
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.





