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Principal Systems Engineer / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Flight Test)

Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

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 our team as a Principal Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer based out of Baltimore, MD, supporting our Flight Test organization.

What You’ll Get To Do:

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the electrical design, integration, and flight testing of systems under test on flying test beds.  This includes electrical systems interface definition, design, electrical system integration, electrical system verification & validation test support, cost & risk analyses, and supportability & effectiveness of the system under test. The Systems Engineer is also responsible for proper operation of system under test during test bed ground and active flight operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Work with a skilled team of experienced former military test pilots, system software and hardware experts, and other flight test professionals integrating and testing advanced sensor systems on board highly modified experimental aircraft.

  • Ensure logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.

  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation.

  • Occasionally (up to 25% of the time) operate out of customer locations (typically military test centers; domestically only, no overseas travel anticipated)

  • Lead working groups and technical interchange meetings, utilizing your written, verbal communication, and presentation skills.

  • Work independently under limited direction within the scope of an assignment and use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.

  • Work in a fast paced, fluid environment and adapt to frequently changing needs of programs and customers on a weekly or daily basis.

This requisition may be filled as either a Principal Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer based on the qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:

  • BS Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering or other related STEM and 5 years of related experience; or MS Degree in STEM and 3 years of related experience.

  • Must have experience with design, integration and/or troubleshooting of electrical systems.

  • Must have experience with avionic systems development and testing.

  • Willingness and ability to fly on experimental aircraft.

  • Willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

  • U.S. Citizenship and current/active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance are required; must have the ability to obtain/maintain SAP (Special Program Access) clearance.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principle Systems Engineer:

  • BS Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering or other related STEM and 8 years of related experience; or MS Degree in STEM and 6 years of related experience.

  • Must have experience with design, integration and/or troubleshooting of electrical systems.

  • Must have experience with avionic systems development and testing.

  • Willingness and ability to fly on experimental aircraft.

  • Willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

  • U.S. Citizenship and current/active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance are required; must have the ability to obtain/maintain SAP (Special Program Access) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of aircraft systems - primarily avionics, electrical power, and cooling.

  • Field Engineering experience including actual Flight Test Experience.

  • Knowledge/familiarity with MIL-SPECs and FAA Requirements: MIL-STD-704, MIL W 5088 and 14 CFR Parts 23 and 25.

  • Previous experience following an avionics system from conceptual design, manufacturing, development, integration and test, through production.

  • An ACTIVE U.S. Government Top-Secret clearance with Special Program Access.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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