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Senior Principal Engineer Electronics - Communications (California)

Northrop Grumman · San Diego, CA · 2 mo ago
On-siteEngineering$142k–$213k/yrFull-time

Relocation assistance may be available. Top Secret clearance required for start. Travel up to 25% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer Electronics - Communications to join our team in San Diego, CA. This on-site, full-time position supports program and business needs within an Integrated Product Team construct. The role involves hands-on work with communication systems, test events, system verification, and troubleshooting to ensure successful integration and outcomes.

Responsibilities

  • Hands-on work with Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication systems, including modems, up/down converters, and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna systems.
  • Provide direct user support, engineering expertise, and troubleshooting during test events.
  • Address and correct deliverable subsystem performance concerns using program-identified tools/systems.
  • Identify opportunities for system improvement and collaborate with engineering teams to implement changes per approved program processes.
  • Report communications subsystem status to leadership, identifying risks, issues, or concerns to mitigate cost and schedule impacts.
  • Develop architecture trade studies and evaluate complex technical decisions with the enterprise team.
  • Manage technical supplier base to ensure technical, schedule, and cost thresholds are met.
  • Perform development risk reduction activities to ensure affordable and timely delivery of required technology.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of experience.
  • Strong understanding of RF signal chains and system-level integration of communication components.
  • Experience with communications system integration, modulation/demodulation, and coding techniques.
  • Proficiency with RF and network-based test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters).
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI Security 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 timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Networking experience (Layer 2/3) and certifications (e.g., Network+, Security+, CCNA).
  • Experience with RF performance assessment through link margin and antenna pattern analyses.
  • Supplier/subcontract management experience.
  • Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, RS-232/422, Ethernet/IPv4/IPv6).

Pay

Primary salary range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00. Base salary offers consider scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differentials, discretionary bonuses, annual performance-based bonuses, and long-term incentives (for Vice President or Director roles).

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Savings plan.
  • Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation/personal business.

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