Principal/Sr. Principal Engineer Electromechanical

Northrop Grumman; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Fairfax, VA seeks a Principal OR Sr. Principal RF Electronic Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end antenna systems, RF processing chains, and software-defined radios. The role requires a TS/SCI clearance and willingness to travel up to 25%.

You will collaborate with network engineers to design system architectures, integrate components, and maintain automated processes while troubleshooting RF and networking issues across complex environments.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Experience with software-defined radios and modems.
• Knowledge of IP networking, routing, and WAN/LAN.
• RF and antenna design fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain front-end RF components and software-defined radios.
• Collaborate with network teams to define system architecture.
• Apply IP routing knowledge to RF system reliability.
• Troubleshoot networking configurations affecting RF performance.
• Integrate new hardware with software for end-to-end automation.
• Run simulations, modeling, and testing to predict performance.
• Document designs, specs, and network configurations.
• Work with admins to install and optimize software on VMs.
• Stay current with RF and networking tech and propose improvements.

Skills

Software-defined radios

IP networking

RF troubleshooting

Antenna design

RF simulation tools

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree (STEM)

Master’s degree (STEM)

PhD (STEM)

Tools

STK

Network monitoring tools

Virtual machines

Linux commands

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

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 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 Space Systems is seeking an Principal OR Sr. Principal RF Electronic Systems Engineer to join our team. This position would be based in Fairfax, VA.

The RF Electronic Systems Engineer will integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain end-to-end antenna systems and their respective RF processing chains. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of software-defined modems and radios, combined with a solid understanding of IP networking principles, routing protocols, antenna systems, software automation, and troubleshooting methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain front-end RF components, including software-defined radios and modems.
• Work collaboratively with network engineering teams to define system architecture and ensure seamless integration of RF systems with network infrastructure.
• Utilize knowledge of IP addressing and routing protocols to enhance the performance and reliability of RF communications.
• Troubleshoot network configurations and connectivity issues impacting RF system performance.
• Work with software developers to integrate new hardware components into the system and deliver end-to-end automated processes.
• Perform simulations, modeling, and testing to predict system performance and identify enhancements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of designs, specifications, and network configurations.
• Collaborate with system administrators to install, update, and optimize software running on virtual machines.
• Stay current with advancements in RF and networking technologies, recommending improvements to optimize product performance.

Basic Qualifications

• Principal/Level 3: 5 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelors-STEM degree; 3 Years of relevant experience with a completed Masters-STEM degree; 1 Years of relevant experience with a completed PhD-STEM
• Sr. Principal/Level 4: 8 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelors-STEM degree; 6 Years of relevant experience with a completed Masters-STEM degree; 4 Years of relevant experience with a completed PhD-STEM
• Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application
• Candidate must be willing to take a Full Scope Polygraph (polygraph may or may not be required depending on circumstances, but candidate must be willing to take it if needed)
• Candidate must be willing to travel up to 25%
• Willingness to work off-shift hours if needed, to include stints of 24/7 shifts in support of mission needs
• Education/years of experience based on position level
• Expertise in software-defined radios and modems, including operation and implementation.
• Strong understanding of IP networking principles, including address allocation, subnetting, and routing over WANs and LANs.
• Experience troubleshooting network issues related to digital RF communications, and RF analog communications.
• Knowledge of basic antenna design and electromagnetic principles.
• Proficient in RF simulation tools and networking software (e.g., STK, network monitoring tools).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer candidate to have current Counterintelligence or Full Scope Polygraph
• Strong understanding of radio frequency principles and antenna design.
• Experience in configuring and managing network devices (e.g., routers, switches).
• Basic understanding of virtual machines and Linux commands.
• Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment and lab setups.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.