Principal Systems Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Chantilly
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: 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. Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support you with expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Systems Engineer to join our cross functional Northern Virginia Engineering Discipline Team! This position will be located at a Mission Systems Sector site in Chantilly, VA. Roles and Responsibilities: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to design, integrate, enhance, and productionize solutions Support the assembly, test, and documentation for hardware components, software integration, and systems of systems Interface and collaborate with customers, end users, operators, and field representatives Develop a comprehensive knowledge of system architecture & mission operations to be able to communicate both upwards and outwards Conduct Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), failure analysis, documentation development, and operations development Develop and maintain requirements Participate in test events This requisition will be filled at the Principal Systems Engineer level. Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer: Must have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline. Minimum of 5 Years of experience with a bachelor's degree; Minimum of 3 Years with master's degree; Minimum of 1 Years experience with PhD U.S. citizenship is required. Secret clearance needed to start. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Strong interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, demonstrated by frequent and successful application of technical standards, theories, concepts, and techniques A background and strong demonstrated success in test, design, and integration Knowledge of RF and radio communication system components & functions Experience with lab test equipment such as function generator, oscilloscope, multi-meter, spectrum analyzers, etc. Knowledge and familiarity with Windows and Linux Operating Systems, specifically the ability to execute in command line and rapidly navigate both operating systems Experience with requirements management Preferred Qualifications for both levels: Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance Hands-on experience with VPX chassis integration, configuration, and testing. Familiarity with SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) and CMOSS (C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards) alignment requirements. Networking Proficiency Strong knowledge of SIGINT operations Experience with Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) and failure analysis Demonstrated experience in documentation and operational processes development 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. Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Dale City , Principal Systems Engineer, Engineering , Chantilly, Virginia