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, but they’re also making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Weapons Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Avionics Integration Engineering organization. his position will be in Melbourne, FL and will be based within our office spaces to support the program and business needs. This position has NO Hybrid or Remote work available
Roles and Responsibilities may Include:
Evaluating electrical systems, products, components, and applications by designing and testing products.
Requirements management, system integration, and test plan development.
Test execution of a weapon system throughout the entire development, demonstration, and production phases.
The successful candidate should possess some familiarization of SMS/S&RE-related hardware and software requirements and in the definition, design, integration, test, and certification (end-to-end development) and operation of SMS and S&RE. The successful candidate must also be familiar with governing standards to include UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653, etc., and have some experience preparing detailed requirements specifications, statements of work, test plans and procedures, certification plans and procedures, performance reports, etc., related to these governing standards
The successful candidate will be expected to understand all system requirements, develop statements of work, specifications and interface control documents, prepare, monitor and update program schedules, conduct and participate in all related design reviews, and provide technical guidance to the cross-functional team.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.
Familiarization of SMS/S&RE-related hardware and software requirements and in the definition, design, integration, test, and certification (end-to-end development) and operation of SMS and S&RE.
Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or 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:
Experience working with weapons and payload systems
In-depth knowledge of governing standards to include UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653
Active Secret clearance with access to Special Program
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years related engineering experience; OR Master's with 3 years; OR PhD with 1 year.
- Familiarity with SMS and S&RE hardware/software requirements and end-to-end definition, design, integration, test, certification, and operation.
- Active US Government Secret clearance with background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
- Ability to work on-site in Melbourne, FL (no hybrid or remote work available).
- Experience working with weapons and payload systems.
- In-depth knowledge of UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653.
- Active Secret clearance with access to Special Program.
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.






