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
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.
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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.








