Staff CAL Systems Engineer

We are seeking Staff CAL Systems Engineers to join our Built‑in‑Test (BIT) / Calibration Systems Engineering team in Linthicum, MD. This role is 100% on‑site and primarily focused on calibration (Cal) modes for advanced RF sensor systems.

What You’ll get to Do:

Cal Mode Integration & Verification Engineer

This role focuses on taking established Cal modes that have not been fully vetted, then driving them to operational readiness and full requirements verification.

• Take existing Cal modes and systematically vet, test, and mature them for operational use.

• Partner with other mode teams to incorporate and tailor Cal modes that support their specific performance needs.

• Analyze Cal performance, identify deficiencies or edge cases, and define updates to tactical code for correction and optimization.

• Provide clear technical guidance to a software engineering team that will implement fixes and enhancements in the tactical code base.

• Tie Cal mode design, test results, and analysis artifacts directly to requirements verification, ensuring full traceability from requirements through implementation and test.

• Support system integration & test (I&T), focusing on calibration behavior in integrated environments and helping close performance verification for sensor modes.

Cal Algorithm Development & Tactical SW Support Engineer

This role focuses on the “other side of the V,” developing calibration algorithms and supporting software engineers through tactical code generation and implementation.

• Develop, refine, and document calibration algorithms that compensate for hardware and system‑level errors in RF sensors.

• Use modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) to design and evaluate Cal algorithms against system performance requirements.

• Define algorithm interfaces, data flows, and constraints to enable robust embedded/tactical implementations.

• Collaborate closely with software engineering teams to translate Cal algorithms into tactical code (primarily C/C++, with supporting MATLAB/Python scripts), providing ongoing technical direction and clarification.

• Participate in code reviews and integration activities to ensure that the tactical implementation correctly reflects algorithm intent and performance assumptions.

• Support lab and field testing to validate algorithm behavior and confirm that implemented Cal modes meet performance and stability requirements.

As a Staff BIT/CAL Systems Engineer, regardless of role focus, you will:

• Confirm that calibrations correctly capture and compensate for hardware and system errors so that sensor performance levels meet or exceed requirements.

• Derive and refine BIT and calibration requirements from system‑level performance objectives and concepts of operation.

• Design and evolve calibration and diagnostic modes, including how they are invoked, executed, monitored, and maintained across the system lifecycle.

• Assess the effectiveness of modeling and simulations supporting BIT/Cal performance, and use results to improve calibration strategies and test approaches.

• Develop an in‑depth understanding of sensor hardware capabilities and limitations to inform calibration design and integration decisions.

• Verify embedded implementations of BIT and Cal modes, ensuring they align with requirements and modeling assumptions.

• Produce publication‑quality technical documentation, including Cal concepts, test plans, procedures, and verification evidence.

• Support factory test, system integration & test, and field support activities with a focus on calibration behavior and system performance closure

This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of experience, Master's degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

• U.S Citizenship is required

• A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance

• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development.

• Domain experience in sensor simulations for RF sensors.

• Experience with integration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.

• Experience programming in C/C++.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a STEM or related technical field.

• Experience with Python for data analysis, test automation, or algorithm prototyping.

• Demonstrated experience with calibration modes, requirements verification, algorithm development, or system integration for RF or sensor systems.

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance or higher.

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.

Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.

Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.