Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) seeks to fill a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer position in the Mission Modeling Department at our Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role encompasses team leadership, management, and technical performance. Department assignments will be made at the conclusion of the interview process and be based on the candidate’s fit and preference.
NGMS is a leading global provider, manufacturer and integrator of advanced, secure and agile software-defined systems and solutions. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) tracking and counter measures and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. Our SEIT organization provides complex avionics systems in Targeting, EOIR, and RF technology areas.
In the Mission Modeling department, you will develop, integrate, test and analyze complex virtual representations of systems and environments. Responsibilities may include development of simulation code and scripts, design of system models, documentation of model assumptions and performance, test automation, test reports, and execution of integration test activities in virtual environments and/or System Integration Labs (SILs) or offsite locations. You will also perform mission level operational analysis utilizing System of Systems modeling and agent-based simulation. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge and experience in EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection and tracking.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access programs 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 Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 5 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM field with 1 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and Systems thinking mindset
- Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody
- Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages
- Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)
- Ability to work and lead engineers in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
- US Citizenship required
- Current Active Secret Clearance
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 8 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM field with 4 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and Systems thinking mindset
- Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody
- Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages
- Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)
- Ability to work and lead engineers in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
- US Citizenship required
- Current Active Secret Clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:
- Experience with real-time signal processing in both firmware and software
- Agile development experience
- Experience in Electronic Warfare
- Experience in an abstract modeling environment (Rhapsody, Cameo, UML etc) for complex electronic systems evaluation
- Experience performing system verification and validation
- Working knowledge of EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection and/or tracking
- Proficiency in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages
- Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest
- Experience in an integration and test environment for complex electronic systems evaluation
- Experience in development and earned value management of cost accounts and schedules as related to Systems Engineering tasks
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years related experience OR Master's in STEM with 3 years OR PhD with 1 year (Principal)
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years related experience OR Master's in STEM with 6 years OR PhD with 4 years (Sr. Principal)
- Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem solving, and systems thinking mindset
- Knowledge of model-based systems engineering concepts (SysML) and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody
- Knowledge of and experience with MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, Python, or other scripting languages
- Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)
- Ability to work with and lead engineers in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Current active Secret security clearance
- Experience developing, integrating, testing and analyzing virtual representations of systems and environments (simulation code, model design, test automation)
- Experience performing mission-level operational analysis using System-of-Systems modeling and agent-based simulation
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.





