Principal/Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Develop system architectures, allocate and verify requirements, conduct functional and trade studies, define interfaces, and integrate communications and data-link systems across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with engineering teams, program managers, and stakeholders on technical artifacts, reviews, documentation, hardware installation, testing, software deployment, cabling, and logistics support. Travel up to 25% is required.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

The Systems Engineer role will apply to support development of a system architecture, conduct functional and trade‑study analyses, and translate customer requirements into detailed specifications across the full product lifecycle—from concept through disposal. The successful candidate will collaborate with design, logistics, specialty engineering, and program IPT teams to ensure that communications solutions meet schedule, cost, and performance goals while maintaining alignment with overall system needs. The Systems Engineer will act as a cross-IPT technical integrator working closely with peers and managers of other engineering disciplines, program managers, and IPT leads, with essential functions including:

  • Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints
  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into specifications using DOORS
  • Ensure system requirements, architecture, and designs integrate with technical needs of the program.
  • Collaborate with program IPT counterparts to develop supporting systems engineering and design artifacts
  • Work with both technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature architecture content of large programs design
  • Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model
  • Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, and processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration)
  • Participate in Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), and other program reviews and boards, as required
  • Communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings at technical and program reviews and boards. 
  • Apply extensive technical expertise in the development of technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity. 
  • Provide cross-IPT support for Capture efforts, contract documents (e.g. SSOW/SDRL/CDRL), and trade studies as required 
  • Candidate will perform hardware installation, integration, testing, documentation, and software deployment of communications and data-link systems
  • Perform and support design reviews and reviews of design related documentation such as Interface Control Documents, system and subsystem design documents, and Software Installation Procedures.
  • Interpret, and markup/redline, and audit released engineering drawings.
  • Install system interconnect cabling for communications, audio, networking, and serial interfaces.
  • Perform integrated logistics support (ILS) and inventory tracking for inbound and outbound hardware.
  • This role requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Basic Qualifications Principal Systems Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 5 years of experience
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • CLEARANCE: A current/active US Government Secret clearance.
  • Must currently have SAP or must be able to obtain and maintain SAP

Basic Qualifications Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 9 years of experience
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • CLEARANCE: A current/active US Government Secret clearance.
  • Must currently have SAP or must be able to obtain and maintain SAP

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
  • Familiarity with the Agile process
  • Proven experience in the systems engineering process
  • Experience in system requirements development, management, analysis, verification, or validation
  • Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Computer Engineering
  • Experience in the systems engineering process across the entire product lifecycle
  • An active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Experience working on military / spacecraft systems
  • Experience with complex system development on large programs
  • Experience with MBSE, software design, or demonstrated ability to work with software-aided design tools
  • CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Experience in SysML or UPDM modeling languages
  • INCOSE Participation or CSEP certification

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 systems, software, or a related STEM field
  • Five years of experience for Principal Systems Engineer level
  • Nine years of experience for Sr Principal Systems Engineer level
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Current and active US Government Secret clearance
  • Current SAP access or ability to obtain and maintain SAP
  • Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
  • Familiarity with Agile processes
  • Experience with systems engineering processes
  • Experience in system requirements development, management, analysis, verification, or validation
  • Engineering degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or computer engineering
  • Experience across the entire product lifecycle
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Experience with military or spacecraft systems
  • Experience with complex system development on large programs
  • Experience with MBSE, software design, or software-aided design tools
  • CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Experience with SysML or UPDM modeling languages
  • INCOSE participation or CSEP certification

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

Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

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.

Similar Jobs

Northrop Grumman Logo Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer

Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
In-Office
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA, USA
85636 Employees
114K-213K Annually

Northrop Grumman Logo Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer

Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
In-Office
San Diego, CA, USA
85636 Employees
156K-235K Annually

Atlassian Logo Atlassian

Systems Engineer

Cloud • Information Technology • Productivity • Security • Software • App development • Automation
In-Office or Remote
5 Locations
11000 Employees
226K-356K Annually

Northrop Grumman Logo Northrop Grumman

Principal Systems Engineer

Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
In-Office
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA, USA
85636 Employees
114K-213K Annually

Similar Companies Hiring

Ford Energy Thumbnail
Automotive • Software • Energy • Utilities • Manufacturing • Renewable Energy
Glendale, Kentucky
55 Employees
Revel Thumbnail
Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software
Marina Del Rey, California
70 Employees
Blee Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software
New York, New York
30 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account