Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman

USonsite$109k-$204k/yrPosted Jul 7, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

Skills

pythonc++

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 (NGMS) seeks to fill a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer position in the Mission Modeling Department at our Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role encompasses team leadership, management, and technical performance. Department assignments will be made at the conclusion of the interview process and be based on the candidate’s fit and preference.

NGMS is a leading global provider, manufacturer and integrator of advanced, secure and agile software-defined systems and solutions. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) tracking and counter measures and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. Our SEIT organization provides complex avionics systems in Targeting, EOIR, and RF technology areas.

In the Mission Modeling department, you will develop, integrate, test and analyze complex virtual representations of systems and environments. Responsibilities may include development of simulation code and scripts, design of system models, documentation of model assumptions and performance, test automation, test reports, and execution of integration test activities in virtual environments and/or System Integration Labs (SILs) or offsite locations. You will also perform mission level operational analysis utilizing System of Systems modeling and agent-based simulation. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge and experience in EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection and tracking.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access programs and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:

Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 5 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM field with 1 years of related experience.

Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and Systems thinking mindset

Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody

Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages

Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)

Ability to work and lead engineers in an integrated product team (IPT) environment

US Citizenship required

Current Active Top-Secret Clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:

Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 8 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM field with 4 years of related experience.

Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and Systems thinking mindset

Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody

Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages

Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)

Ability to work and lead engineers in an integrated product team (IPT) environment

US Citizenship required

Current Active Top-Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer:

Experience with real-time signal processing in both firmware and software

Agile development experience

Experience in Electronic Warfare

Experience in an abstract modeling environment (Rhapsody, Cameo, UML etc) for complex electronic systems evaluation

Experience performing system verification and validation

Working knowledge of EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection and/or tracking

Proficiency in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages

Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest

Experience in an integration and test environment for complex electronic systems evaluation

Experience in development and earned value management of cost accounts and schedules as related to Systems Engineering tasks

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.

Compensation

This Systems Engineer role pays $109k-$204k/yr. Within typical range for systems engineer roles in United States.

Questions about this role

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