Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer based in Huntsville, AL or Bellevue, NE. Our Team supports, integrates, develops, and advances multiple software and network products under the the long standing Tactical Ground Equipment (TGE) Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) Base Operations Networks (BONES) program.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute software test plans and procedures
- Design automated and manual test solutions for embedded and application software
- Analyze requirements and formulate test cases, scenarios, and scripts.
- Integrate hardware, software, and test equipment for complete system testing
- Document and track defects; work with development to resolve issues
- Participate in requirements reviews, design reviews, and code inspections
- Ensure solutions adhere to quality, safety, and compliance standards
- Support verification/validation, integration, and acceptance activities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- CONUS travel up to 20% may be required
Basic Qualifications:
- For a Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years of experience, Master's with 3 years of experience
- For a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in STEM with 8 years of experience, Master's with 3 years of experience
- Active DoD secret clearance
- Experience working with Linux operating systems
- Proficiency in writing or executing SQL queries for data analysis or database management
- Prior work with embedded systems, avionics, or defense systems.
- Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering Tools (MBSE)
- Knowledge of Agile development processes
- Ability to work on-site in Huntsville
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years of experience for Principal level
- Master's degree in STEM with 3 years of experience for Principal level
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years of experience for Senior Principal level
- Master's degree in STEM with 3 years of experience for Senior Principal level
- Active Department of Defense Secret clearance
- Experience working with Linux operating systems
- Proficiency writing or executing SQL queries
- Prior work with embedded systems, avionics, or defense systems
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools
- Knowledge of Agile development processes
- Ability to work on-site in Huntsville, Alabama
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.






