Principal CAL Systems Engineer / Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer

ngc; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 109,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

9/80 schedule

Education assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer to work on calibration algorithms for RF sensors, based in Linthicum, MD with 100% on-site work.

The role emphasizes MATLAB/Python development and embedded/C++ implementation, with opportunities to influence system performance and verification processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related field; experience varies by level.
• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development.
• Experience with sensor simulations for RF or related systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop calibration algorithms to compensate for hardware and system-level errors in RF sensors.
• Use MATLAB, Python to design and evaluate calibration algorithms against performance requirements.
• Define interfaces, data flows, and constraints for embedded/tactical implementations.
• Collaborate with software engineers to translate CAL algorithms into tactical code (C/C++, MATLAB, Python).
• Support lab and field testing to validate CAL behavior and performance.

Skills

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Algorithm development

Sensor simulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

C/C++ development

Python scripting

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.

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 yours of 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/ Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer based out of Linthicum, MD and will require 100% on-site work.

This requestion may be filled as a Principal CAL Systems Engineer or a Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer

What You’ll get to Do:

This role may comprise developing calibration algorithms, supporting software engineers through tactical code generation and implementation.

• Develop, refine, and documentcalibration algorithmsthat compensate for hardware and system‑level errors in RF sensors.

• Usemodeling, simulation, and analysis tools(e.g., MATLAB, Python) to design and evaluate Cal algorithms against system performance requirements.

• Define algorithm interfaces, data flows, and constraints to enable robustembedded/tactical implementations.

• Collaborate closely withsoftware engineering teamsto translate Cal algorithms into tactical code (primarilyC/C++, with supporting MATLAB/Python scripts), providing ongoing technical direction and clarification.

• Participate incode reviews and integration activitiesto ensure that the tactical implementation correctly reflects algorithm intent and performance assumptions.

• Support lab and field testing to validate algorithm behavior and confirm that implemented Cal modes meet performance and stability requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Confirm thatcalibrations correctly capture and compensatefor hardware and system errors so that sensor performance levels meet or exceed requirements.

• Derive and refineBIT and calibration requirementsfrom system‑level performance objectives and concepts of operation.

• Design and evolvecalibration and diagnostic modes, including how they are invoked, executed, monitored, and maintained across the system lifecycle.

• Assess theeffectiveness of modeling and simulationssupporting BIT/Cal performance, and use results to improve calibration strategies and test approaches.

• Develop an in‑depth understanding ofsensor hardware capabilities and limitationsto inform calibration design and integration decisions.

• Verify embedded implementations of BIT and Cal modes, ensuring they align with requirements and modeling assumptions.

• Producepublication‑quality technical documentation, including Cal concepts, test plans, procedures, and verification evidence.

• Supportfactory test, system integration & test, and field supportactivities with a focus on calibration behavior and system performance closure.

This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be

• U.S Citizenship is required

• A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance

• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

• Experience withMATLABfor data analysis and/or algorithm development.

• Domain experience insensor simulations for RF sensors.

• Experience withintegration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.

• Experience programming inC/C++.

Basic Qualifications for a Senior Principal Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

• U.S Citizenship is required

• A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance

• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

• Experience withMATLABfor data analysis and/or algorithm development.

• Domain experience insensor simulations for RF sensors.

• Experience withintegration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.

• Experience programming inC/C++.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a STEM or related technical field.

• Experience withPythonfor data analysis, test automation, or algorithm prototyping.

• Demonstrated experience withcalibration modes,requirements verification,algorithm development, orsystem integrationfor RF or sensor systems.

• ActiveDoD Top Secret clearanceor higher.

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.

Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents