Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Sector has a need for a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer at its Integrated Mission Solutions (IMS) organization in Warner Robins, GA. This engineering position is for a role on our Systems Engineering Team. Our ideal candidate will possess technical expertise, a drive to lead from where you are, collaborative people skills, and the proven ability to work within a technically diverse and fast-paced team. This position is in Warner Robins, GA and requires that you work on-site daily.
Your responsibilities will include:
Capture, analyze, and maintain system‑level requirements for the AAR‑47 laser/missile warning system.
Track parts lifecycle, evaluate DMSMS risks, and propose mitigation strategies (last‑time‑buy, part‑in‑production, redesign).
Design, prototype, and test electronic assemblies (PCBs, power modules, I/O interfaces, etc) for the system.
Perform schematic capture, layout, and BOM generation using industry‑standard tools (Altium, Mentor, Cadence).
Work closely with embedded‑software/firmware teams to define electrical interfaces, timing, and data‑link protocols.
This position may be filled at either Principal / Sr. Principal Levels.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Systems Engineer: Minimum of 5 years of direct relevant experience with B.S. degree; Minimum of 3 years of direct relevant experience with Master’s degree; Minimum of 1 year of direct relevant experience with PhD. B.S, M.S., or PhD must be in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline.
Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Minimum of 8 years of direct relevant experience with B.S. degree; Minimum of 6 years of direct relevant experience with Master’s degree; Minimum of 4 years of direct relevant experience with PhD. B.S, M.S., or PhD must be in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline.
Familiarity with automated test systems, software loading tools, diagnostic platforms, and optical test equipment.
Proficiency in schematic capture, PCB layout, and component selection; familiarity with signal‑integrity and power‑distribution concepts.
Experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, function generators, power supplies, and optical test gear (optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, laser safety equipment).
Strong written and verbal skills; able to produce clear technical documents and deliver presentations.
Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with external suppliers and customers.
Must currently hold or be able to maintain a U.S Government Secret level security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct involvement with laser‑warning, missile‑warning, or other threat‑detection systems that incorporate optical detectors, lidar, or infrared sensors.
Expertise with Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro.
Experience using system level modeling environments (MATLAB/Simulink, Model Based Design, SysML) to generate performance predictions.
Secret Security Clearance or higher.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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
- Principal Systems Engineer: Minimum 5 years relevant experience with B.S.; 3 years with M.S.; 1 year with Ph.D.; degree in Electrical, Computer, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent STEM
- Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Minimum 8 years relevant experience with B.S.; 6 years with M.S.; 4 years with Ph.D.; degree in Electrical, Computer, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent STEM
- Familiarity with automated test systems, software loading tools, diagnostic platforms, and optical test equipment
- Proficiency in schematic capture, PCB layout, and component selection; familiarity with signal-integrity and power-distribution concepts
- Experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, function generators, power supplies, and optical test gear (optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, laser safety equipment)
- Strong written and verbal communication; ability to produce technical documents and deliver presentations
- Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with external suppliers and customers
- Must currently hold or be able to maintain a U.S. Government Secret level security clearance
- Direct involvement with laser‑warning, missile‑warning, or other threat‑detection systems (optical detectors, lidar, infrared) — preferred
- Expertise with Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro — preferred
- Experience with system-level modeling environments (MATLAB/Simulink, Model Based Design, SysML) — preferred
- Possession of Secret security clearance or higher — preferred
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.






