Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal or Principal Engineer Systems Modeling and Simulation, to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be full time in the office and located in San Diego, CA (preferred) or Palmdale, CA.
Successful candidates will be ready to analyze current inventory effectiveness using statistical analysis, account for various changing configurations, and apply probability-based analytics to optimize recommendations and maximize positive impacts to key performance indicators. Previous experience in aviation and defense programs, familiarity with Monte Carlo simulations, and aptitude for project management and communication are critical skills for this position.
Key Responsibilities:
Key aspects include organization and self-drive to gather required information, work with stakeholders, and provide analyses and presentations regarding:
Developing new and/or integrate existing system simulation frameworks, performance models and algorithms, threat models, and command and control models.
Simulate real-time operation and develop software/models that represent projected behavior of systems.
Develop, integrate, and use advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools.
Model operational environments, perform trade studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.
Perform operational analysis and mission effectiveness analysis.
Develop and integrate mission concept development, Level of Repair Analysis (LORA), spares sensitivity, Operations and Support (O&S) cost analyses / ROI, and model-based system engineering.
Develop and adapt existing models, methods, and simulations to support the design, development, and sustainment of system design concepts and technologies.
We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
*This Position may be offered at the Principal or Sr Principal Level*
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 5 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline and 3 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR PhD in a (STEM) discipline and 1 year of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment.
- Experience in statistical modeling.
- Advanced proficiency with MS Excel (extensive formula calculations, pivot tables/charts, macros, etc.)
- Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation), With ability to Obtain Top Secret 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.
- Willing and able to travel up to 25%.
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 8 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline and 6 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR PhD in a (STEM) discipline and 4 year of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment.
- Experience in statistical modeling.
- Advanced proficiency with MS Excel (extensive formula calculations, pivot tables/charts, macros, etc.)
- Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation), With ability to Obtain Top Secret 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.
- Willing and able to travel up to 25%.
Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:
- Current active in-scope US Government Top Secret Clearance with Special Program Access.
- Previous project management experience.
- Experience with Tempo, VMetric, or EDCAS in a professional environment.
- Experience with MAAF or LCOM.
- Experience with data mining techniques.
- Relevant experience in adjacent logistics support elements such as Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) & Maintenance Planning, Modeling & Simulation (ModSim), Support Equipment Engineering (SEE), Prognostics & Health Management (PHM), Supportable Low Observables (SLO), Obsolescence Management, Training & Training Systems, Technical Data, Support Hardware, Fleet & Field Support, and Product Support Management.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM and 5 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience; OR Master's +3 years; OR PhD +1 year
- For Sr Principal: Bachelor's degree in STEM and 8 years of relevant experience; OR Master's +6 years; OR PhD +4 years
- Experience in statistical modeling
- Advanced proficiency with MS Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables/charts, macros)
- Active US Government Secret clearance with background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- Willing and able to travel up to 25%
- Current active Top Secret Clearance with Special Program Access
- Previous project management experience
- Experience with Tempo, VMetric, or EDCAS
- Experience with MAAF or LCOM
- Experience with data mining techniques
- Relevant experience in logistics support elements (LSA, Maintenance Planning, ModSim, SEE, PHM, SLO, Obsolescence Management, Training Systems, Technical Data, Fleet & Field Support, Product Support Management)
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.





