Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add Senior Principal Engineer Electronics - Payloads to join our team in San Diego, CA and will be primarily based within our office spaces to support the program and business needs.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is NO remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 10% may be required.
This candidate will be responsible for evaluating Payload electrical systems, products, components, and applications by designing and testing products.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution of a payload system throughout the entire development, demonstration, and production phases.
Work on Stores Management Systems (SMS) / Suspension and Release Equipment (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.
Utilize governing standards to include UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653, etc., and prepare detailed requirements specifications, statements of work, test plans and procedures, certification plans and procedures, performance reports, etc., related to these governing standards.
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.
Be a highly motivated self-starter with an ability to operate effectively in a team of engineers and technicians.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 3 years of related engineering experience
Practical experience working with payload systems
General understanding of Universal Armament Interface (UAI) compliant MIL-STD-1760 Stores Management Systems (SMS), MIL-STD-1553 and Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE).
Experience with Stores Management Systems (SMS) / Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE) related hardware and software requirements
Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution of a payload system
Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 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 with Stores Management Systems (SMS) / Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE) related hardware and software requirements
Active Special Program Access
Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution of a payload system
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years related engineering experience OR Master's in STEM with 6 years OR PhD in STEM with 3 years
- Practical experience working with payload systems
- General understanding of Universal Armament Interface (UAI) compliant MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and AS5653
- Experience with Stores Management Systems (SMS) and Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE) hardware and software requirements
- Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution for payload systems
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable time
- Active Special Program Access
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.






