Principal / Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (AHT)

Posted 12 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Boulder, CO, USA
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Designs, models, simulates, analyzes, and tests RF, microwave, payload, and communications systems. Responsibilities include RF architecture, antenna, transmitter and receiver design, link budget and cascade analysis, system trades, requirements development, proposal estimates, and satellite communications analysis. The role requires MATLAB proficiency, digital communications and signal-processing knowledge, RF system modeling experience, and an active Secret clearance. Preferred experience includes SATCOM, digital beamforming, test instrumentation, Simulink, MBSE, DOORS, STK, and HFSS.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Space Systems is seeking an Principal or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer to support our team in Boulder, CO.

Job Responsibilities

  • Conducting RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulation

  • Designing and developing RF systems and corresponding analyses

  • Designs, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, components, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters and receivers.

  • Generating specifications and analyses for ambiguous customer requirements

  • Supporting RF engineering Basis of Estimates for proposals

  • Execute trades and analyses for Radio Frequency systems and circuitry

  • Design and develop RF systems and corresponding analyses, such as link budgets, cascade analyses, and frequency response

  • Model and simulate RF systems for high-frequency and microwave applications

This position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 1 year of relevant experience

  • Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 4 years of relevant experience

  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.

  • Understanding of Digital Communications and Signal Processing.

  • Experience in modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of RF Systems, including Space-to-Ground and Payload Systems

  • Design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array and parabolic antennas.

  • Experience performing Link Budget Analysis to design and optimize the communication link between the satellite and the ground station and/or Cascade Analysis to evaluate the overall performance of the payload and associated components

  • Proficient with MATLAB

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

  • Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Extensive RF/payload/communication experience in system analysis, modeling and simulation.

  • Extensive knowledge and experience in the area of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) such as Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog analysis and testing; digital channelization, digital beamforming, digital receiver theory and technology

  • Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements

  • Ability to analyze and evaluate complex satellite test data, extensive experience working with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and vector signal analyzers and their associated data.

  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink in modeling complex communication systems.

  • Experience with Basis of Estimates

  • Understanding of MBSE (SysML) and

  • Experience with DOORS

  • Familiarity with STK

  • Familiarity with HFSS.

  • Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (either adjudicated or the ability to obtain SCI access)

  • Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work with uncertain or incomplete information

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

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 with 5 years of relevant experience, master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year for Principal level
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience, master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years for Senior Principal level
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope
  • Understanding of digital communications and signal processing
  • Experience modeling, simulating, and/or analyzing RF systems, including space-to-ground and payload systems
  • Experience designing and integrating SATCOM ground terminals, RF-over-Fiber, high-power transmitters, phased-array antennas, and parabolic antennas
  • Experience performing link budget analysis and/or cascade analysis
  • Proficiency with MATLAB
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong communication skills
  • Extensive RF, payload, or communications experience in system analysis, modeling, and simulation
  • Extensive SATCOM knowledge, including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog analysis, digital channelization, digital beamforming, and digital receiver theory
  • Knowledge of RF performance metrics and EMI/RFI shielding requirements
  • Experience analyzing satellite test data and using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal analyzers
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling complex communication systems
  • Experience with Basis of Estimates
  • Understanding of MBSE and SysML
  • Experience with DOORS
  • Familiarity with STK
  • Familiarity with HFSS
  • Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility or ability to obtain SCI access
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

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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