We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer to join our team. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making. System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Design Engineer:
- BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year of related experience
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
- Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Systems Design Engineer:
- BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 8 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 4 years of related experience
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
- Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance
Preferred Qualifications Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer :
- Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints
- Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
- Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
- Hands‑on experience with MATLAB/Python
- Proficiency with RF‑CAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS
- Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGA‑based RF prototyping
- Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
- Hands‑on experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming
- Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases
- Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
Skills Required
- BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or STEM with 5 years experience OR MS with 3 years OR PhD with 1 year (Principal level)
- BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or STEM with 8 years experience OR MS with 6 years OR PhD with 4 years (Sr Principal level)
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience creating and delivering technical presentations
- Working knowledge of DOORS and/or MBSE methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
- Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
- Ability to obtain and maintain required U.S. government security clearance (customer-specified, minimum Secret) and SAP access as required
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.
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