Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer in Rancho Bernardo, CA or El Segundo, CA. The successful candidate will be assigned to develop and deliver systems engineering products.
Essential Functions:
• Support Operations Analysis and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) activities for Aeronautics Systems to inform trade studies, concepts of operations, and requirements.
• Plan and execute studies (trade studies, sensitivity analyses, Monte Carlo), analyze results, and visualize findings to drive data-informed decisions.
• Develop complex algorithms and scripts for use in mission simulation tools.
• Develop, integrate, and maintain analytical models and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Python/Simulink or similar) to evaluate system performance and mission effectiveness.
• Develop and integrate physics-based RF algorithms with front-end GUI interfaces
• Learn and understand Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to support blue/red kill chains across multiple security environments, programs, architectures, and platforms.
• Solicit input from various stakeholders, synthesize data, and communicate results to various levels of leadership.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and concise briefings; present results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Candidate will be expected to have excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, detail-oriented approach.
• To be successful in the role you will need strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
Basic Qualifications:
• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) field and 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master of Science Degree in a STEM field and 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD in a STEM field and 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience.
• Experience developing physics-based models and simulations using object oriented programming principles in MATLAB, Python, C++, or Java.
• Experience with object oriented languages (C#, Java) and modeling/simulation of radars, missiles, Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS), and/or air and space platforms.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Active USG Top Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a rapid prototyping environment.
• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and system architecture integration.
• Experience with version control tools such as Github or Bitbucket.
• Familiarity with parallel computing system architecture.
• Experience developing CI/CD pipelines (Git/TFS, Azure DevOps, etc.) and collaborate in version controlled, team based environments.
• Operational Military Experience
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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 of Science in STEM + 5 years OR Master of Science in STEM + 3 years OR PhD in STEM + 1 year of relevant experience
- Experience developing physics-based models and simulations using object‑oriented programming (MATLAB, Python, C++, or Java)
- Experience with object‑oriented languages (C#, Java) and modeling/simulation of radars, missiles, IADS, and/or air and space platforms
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (background investigation within last 6 years) or currently enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- Demonstrated ability to work in a rapid prototyping environment
- Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and system architecture integration
- Experience with version control tools (GitHub, Bitbucket) and CI/CD pipelines (Git/TFS, Azure DevOps)
- Familiarity with parallel computing system architecture
- Operational military experience
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.







