Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join us as a Sr. Principal Engineer, Embedded Software – Manufacturing Test Engineering (Advanced EO) based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
This position will support software efforts associated with testing Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
- The Manufacturing Software Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
- We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:
- a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership
- b) Acts with Speed
- c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience
- d) Leads with Courage
- e) Sets vision for the assigned products
- f) Builds a High Performing Team
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
This position is contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
What you will get to do:
- Plan and Implement software architecture strategies and drive project execution for Manufacturing Engineering acceptance test software supporting multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and system-level testing for a new product introduction in Manufacturing.
- Collaborate with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) to coordinate cross-functional test software development from requirements capture through final validation and release, and driving collaboration among product design engineers, test hardware engineers, quality assurance engineers, and manufacturing technicians.
- Design, integrate, validate, and release software for Acceptance Testing of LRUs and System level sell-off.
- Develop and maintain documentation for Manufacturing Acceptance Test, Environmental Screening procedures, and drawings of test equipment and fixtures.
- Review testability of products and collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.
Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Advanced EO):
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or related STEM degree with a minimum of 8 years relevant work experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields with a minimum of 6 years’ relevant work experience.
- Experience using C#
- Experience using Agile practices and performing Earned Value.
- Experience with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
- US Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Advanced EO):
- 8 or more years of experience in electronic hardware Manufacturing environment and/or electronic hardware software or firmware design environment preferred.
- Experience using Unified Modeling Language (UML) to develop structural and behavioral software models.
- Experience in Markdown/Visual Studio Code
- Experience with software systems architecture
- Experience with use of EOIR test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Collimators, Black Bodies, Target Wheels, Power Meters, etc.
- Experience with EOIR tests such as Modular Transfer Function (MTF) measurements, Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC), Noise-Equivalent Irradiance (NEI), Operability, etc.
- Experience generating test data outputs optimized for long-term trend analysis
- Experience in troubleshooting unit under test.
- Experience using GitHub.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or related STEM with 8+ years relevant experience (or MS with 6+ years)
- Experience using C#
- Experience using Agile practices and performing Earned Value
- Experience reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum Secret clearance with additional customer-specified clearance prior to start
- US Citizenship required
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.





