Sr Principal Electrical Engineer – Vehicle Subsystems & Integration

Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance required: Secret (with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance and Special Access Program clearance). Travel: up to 10 % of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Sr Principal Electrical Engineer – Vehicle Subsystems & Integration. This position can be located in Palmdale, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Whiteman AFB, MO; or San Diego, CA. The engineer will lead and/or serve as a key contributor on multiple aspects of aircraft subsystem development, guiding projects from concept through sustainment and ensuring technical excellence throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design & Development: create hydraulic and electrical schematics, select aircraft‑type conductors and electromechanical components (connectors, relays, switches, circuit breakers, terminal junction systems); perform system analysis and define requirements for electrical power generation, conversion, distribution, and circuit protection, including loads analysis, power architecture development, test procedures, and related deliverables; conduct similar analysis for hydraulic systems and prepare test procedures, reports, and other deliverables.
• System Engineering: lead trade studies, layout development, architecture definition, system testing, verification, and troubleshooting for assigned components; participate in subcontractor management teams and act as the technical point of contact for suppliers during hardware development, qualification, and procurement.
• Testing & Verification: develop and execute system‑level test plans, support verification activities, process test data, and resolve issues; perform system‑level evaluations to confirm that requirements are met and airworthiness criteria are satisfied.
• Leadership & Communication: serve as the subject‑matter expert for multidisciplinary teams (10+ members), providing technical guidance from concept to sustainment; prepare and deliver presentations to senior leadership (director level and above).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 8 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree with 6 years; or a PhD with 4 years.
• Proven experience leading a system’s development from concept to sustainment (“cradle‑to‑grave”).
• Demonstrated project‑management capabilities.
• Experience acting as a SME for an engineering team/project.
• Strong analytical skills with a track record of complex problem solving.
• Ability to create and present technical briefings to senior executives.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) clearance with a background investigation completed within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Experience with military‑aircraft subsystem development, including requirements definition, specification authoring, component analysis, procurement, source selection, integration, and test & verification.
• Proficiency interpreting component detail drawings, specifications, installation drawings, and test procedures.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $116,300 – $213,400. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and, for VP or Director positions, long‑term incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company‑paid holidays
• Paid time off (vacation and personal business)