Principal CAL Systems Engineer / Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer to join the Linthicum, MD team, with 100% on-site work. The role focuses on developing calibration algorithms for RF sensors and collaborating with software teams to implement tactical code in C/C++, MATLAB, and Python.

The position requires active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and SAP access. You will participate in calibration design, verification, and field support to ensure system performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development.
• Domain experience in sensor simulations for RF sensors.
• Experience with integration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.
• Experience programming in C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and document calibration algorithms that compensate for hardware and system-level errors in RF sensors.
• Use modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to design and evaluate Cal algorithms against system requirements.
• Define interfaces, data flows, and constraints to enable robust embedded/tactical implementations.
• Collaborate with software teams to translate Cal algorithms into tactical code (C/C++, MATLAB/Python).
• Participate in code reviews and integration activities to ensure alignment with algorithm intent.

Skills

sensor simulations

C/C++ programming

MATLAB data analysis

Python for data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM field

Master’s degree in STEM field

PhD in STEM field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

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. 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 document calibration algorithms that compensate for hardware and system‑level errors in RF sensors.
• Use modeling, 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 robust embedded/tactical implementations.
• Collaborate closely with software engineering teams to translate Cal algorithms into tactical code (primarily C/C++, with supporting MATLAB/Python scripts), providing ongoing technical direction and clarification.
• Participate in code reviews and integration activities to 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 that calibrations correctly capture and compensate for hardware and system errors so that sensor performance levels meet or exceed requirements.
• Derive and refine BIT and calibration requirements from system‑level performance objectives and concepts of operation.
• Design and evolve calibration and diagnostic modes, including how they are invoked, executed, monitored, and maintained across the system lifecycle.
• Assess the effectiveness of modeling and simulations supporting BIT/Cal performance, and use results to improve calibration strategies and test approaches.
• Develop an in‑depth understanding of sensor hardware capabilities and limitations to inform calibration design and integration decisions.
• Verify embedded implementations of BIT and Cal modes, ensuring they align with requirements and modeling assumptions.
• Produce publication‑quality technical documentation, including Cal concepts, test plans, procedures, and verification evidence.
• Support factory test, system integration & test, and field support activities 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 with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development.
• Domain experience in sensor simulations for RF sensors.
• Experience with integration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.
• Experience programming in C/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 with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development.
• Domain experience in sensor simulations for RF sensors.
• Experience with integration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems.
• Experience programming in C/C++.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a STEM or related technical field.
• Experience with Python for data analysis, test automation, or algorithm prototyping.
• Demonstrated experience with calibration modes, requirements verification, algorithm development, or system integration for RF or sensor systems.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance or 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 - $163,200.00

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.