Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Senior Principal Engineer - Survivability to join our team in either Palmdale, CA, or Rancho Bernardo, CA. The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge and technical experience with the development and procurement of aircraft survivability subsystem design, integration and test, and support for advanced programs.
Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and maintain system requirements; develop sub-system architecture and drawings; author procurement specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDS), and Statements of Work
- Manage vendors and subcontractors as part of a Supplier Management Team, with oversight of supplier development efforts and capability deliveries, and collaboration with suppliers on sustainment support
- Establish and coordinate test plans, support text execution, and conduct post-test data analysis. Test events may be executed in a lab or field environment
- Communicate risks, issues, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders
- Coordinate internally with support organizations such as Global Supply Chain, Facilities, IT and Security
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 25% may be required.
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 and 4 years of related engineering experience
- Demonstrated depth of knowledge of RF and Antenna functionality, with experience in RF integration and testing
- Direct experience in Survivability / Low Observables, applying and extending electromagnetic principles related to Radar Cross Section / RF signature
- Experience in Systems Engineering, LRU integration and testing, and supplier management
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security 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:
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- MS degree in electrical engineering; physics; or applied mathematics from an ABET accredited university
- Demonstrated expertise with RF and antenna design, development, integration and test, and/or sustainment
- Proficiency in Mission Systems integration for Survivable systems
- Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills to enable effective personal interaction and collaboration with a multi-disciplined team and customers
- Proficiency in developing and executing tests and analyzing test results
- Technical leadership experience in a dynamic program environment
- Demonstrated success working with internal support organizations such as Global Supply Chain, Security, etc.
- Demonstrated success building customer intimacy
Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The 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's degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience
- Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience
- PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience
- Depth of knowledge of RF and antenna functionality, including RF integration and testing
- Direct experience in survivability or low observables, applying electromagnetic principles to radar cross section or RF signature
- Experience in systems engineering, LRU integration and testing, and supplier management
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with a recent background investigation or Continuous Evaluation enrollment
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance
- Current applicable Special Access Program clearance
- Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or applied mathematics from an ABET-accredited university
- Expertise with RF and antenna design, development, integration, testing, or sustainment
- Proficiency in mission systems integration for survivable systems
- Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills
- Proficiency in developing and executing tests and analyzing test results
- Technical leadership experience in a dynamic program environment
- Experience collaborating with internal support organizations such as Global Supply Chain and Security
- Demonstrated success building customer relationships
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.







