Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Sr. Principal Subsystems Engineer to join our team in Rancho Bernardo, CA. This position will be in our Avionics Integration Organization.
This candidate will be responsible for the installation, integration and troubleshooting of aviation related Subsystems, component sub-systems, Sensor Management Units, Vehicle Test Controller and Data Recorders.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Lead Subsystems Lab Integration
- System integration, test development and execution of various types of complex avionics systems
- Create and develop documentation for system requirements and interfaces, including system engineering drawings and diagrams
- Troubleshoot systems to resolve complex issues, interact and coordinate with responsible Subsystems engineers responsible for sustaining subsystems
- Serve as an interface between the Operations & Test organization and the engineers
- Ensure Subsystems performance meets specified levels
- Proactively maintain overall system performance of deployed systems
- Perform troubleshooting, document issues and coordinate field replacements/upgrades of Subsystems
- Contribute to improvement of processes, design and future sustainment efforts
- Actively participate in Program Risk and Opportunity Management
- Must be a self-directed technical performer with strong communication skills, demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary technical trades, and ability to develop & execute to a strategy
Hybrid: The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. Once established in role, the position could potentially offer a hybrid work environment. Scheduled telework days are approved at manager's discretion.
This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
This position can be filled at the Sr. Principal Subsystems Engineer level, qualifications below.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Sr. Principal 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.
- Must have an active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes at the sub-system, system and system-of-systems levels.
- Experience with installation, integration and troubleshooting of aviation related subsystems
- Experience with Ethernet and TCP/IP
- experience using mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with Atlassian software development and collaboration tool set (Jira and Confluence)
- Experience with concurrent hardware and software development
- Experience with component selection for system development
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience, or a master's degree and 6 years, or a PhD and 3 years
- Active DoD Secret or higher security clearance with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes at the subsystem, system, and system-of-systems levels
- Experience installing, integrating, and troubleshooting aviation-related subsystems
- Experience with Ethernet and TCP/IP
- Experience using mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems
- Familiarity with Atlassian software development and collaboration tools, including Jira and Confluence
- Experience with concurrent hardware and software development
- Experience selecting components for system development
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.






