Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Integration & Test

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 109,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel 10% of the time

On-site Baltimore work

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Baltimore, MD seeks Systems Integration & Test Engineers (Level 3/4) for RF radar system I&T. Onsite, requiring a Secret clearance, you will integrate hardware and software, run tests, and develop scripts to automate tests across lab benches and flight test environments.

Candidates should have strong MATLAB/Python skills and hands-on experience with RF lab equipment, with opportunities for growth in SABR Development I&T and system-level verification.

Qualifications

• Experience with RF lab test equipment and troubleshooting HW/SW/FW.
• Experience coding in MATLAB for test scripting and data analysis.
• Ability to obtain Secret clearance and SAP access.
• Experience with system bench and acceptance test plans.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on system integration and sell‑off testing of RF sensor systems.
• Develop and debug ASE scripts and MATE-based tests.
• Serve as Test Director for System Confidence Tests.
• Support flight test activities and lab bench configurations.
• Maintain asset/configuration management in labs.

Skills

RF lab test equipment

MATLAB

Python

ASE scripting

MATE testing tools

System integration

Troubleshooting HW/SW/FW

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

Ph.D. in STEM

Tools

Signal generator

Oscilloscope

Spectrum analyzer

Bench/test equipment

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!Northrop Grumman Mission Systems' Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) division is seeking Systems Integration & Test Engineers (Level 3 or Level 4) in Baltimore, MD.What You’ll get to do :This role spans both hardware sell‑off testing and software integration & test for advanced RF radar systems:Hands-on integration, verification, and sell‑off testing of RF sensor hardware (REP, antenna, racks, cabling, benches, and associated lab equipment)Software integration and development of test tools and scripts (ASE, MATE, MATLAB, Python) in support of SABR Development I&T activities across labs, benches, and flight test environmentsYou will work in a lab and system bench environment, collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, and software teams to verify that end‑to‑end system performance meets requirements and to support flight test and fielded system needs.This position will be onsite full‑time in Baltimore, MD.Responsibilities:System Integration & Sell‑off Test (Hardware & System Level)Perform hands-on integration, troubleshooting, and testing of sophisticated RF sensor systems, including hardware and software components in development and production environmentsSupport development, configuration, and maintenance of integration environments and labs (system benches, racks, RF paths, interconnects)Configure and operate RF lab test equipment (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, delay lines, etc.) to execute acceptance, sell‑off, and regression testsReview and interpret interconnect diagrams and HW configurations (REP, antenna, racks, cabling) to establish and modify bench configurationsConduct system bench integration and checkout, including open‑air radiate and RFTG configurationsExecute system-level confidence, acceptance, and sell‑off test plans; analyze test results and prepare comprehensive reports with clear pass/fail rationale and corrective actionsTroubleshoot and resolve HW/SW/FW integration issues using a combination of test equipment, bench logs, and modeling/simulation toolsSupport environmental, reliability, and occasional flight test integration activitiesSoftware Integration & Test (SABR Development I&T)Execute software integration & test activities for SABR Development I&T, including ASE script development, SCT/FQT execution, weekly software load checkouts, and regression testingRun Operational Flight Program (OFP) builds on system benches (SYS1, SW1), including IBIT, basic mode operation, and open‑air / RFTG configurationsDevelop, modify, and debug ASE scripts (TCL) to automate test scenarios; use debugging tools to resolve issues and improve test coverageServe as Test Director for System Confidence Tests (SCT) and support Formal Qualification Testing (FQT) on SABR benchesUse tools such as CMP, MapView/Postlink, Sensor Server, and bench logs (e.g., superputty output) to monitor, analyze, and verify system behaviorDevelop and maintain software test tools and MATE-based automated test procedures; update MATE tests and test plans as requirements evolveSupport weekly software load checkouts including attending SW SCCBs, executing load checkout procedures, and documenting resultsFlight Test & Field SupportSupport flight test activities including HW checkout on SYS1, flight card design and checkout, and coordination of necessary baseline and configuration documentationSupport SABR installation/integration on test aircraft (e.g., CRJ), and subsequent removal and return of assets to labsProvide flight test support in multiple roles as experience grows (note taker, radar operator, test director)Lab, Asset, and Process ManagementPerform asset and configuration management in labs and benches (hardware tracker database, bench logs, configuration baselines)Support Bay 18/20 and MS 425 test campaigns including configuration control, test execution, and documentationParticipate in process improvement initiatives: identify improvements to I&T tools, test procedures, and lab workflows; implement and document approved changesSupport Galleon data collection activities, including fiber cable inspection/cleaning, RAID configuration, and Linux command‑line operationComply with and help maintain security procedures including sanitization processes, documentation, and secure handling of equipment and mediaCollaboration & Systems EngineeringCollaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams (software, firmware, hardware, systems, flight test) to understand expected unit- and system-level behavior and translate requirements into test casesSupport the development and maintenance of system integration plans and system test plansParticipate in I&T readiness reviews, design reviews, and audits of I&T facilities and processesApply systems engineering concepts including requirements analysis, verification planning, and traceability to ensure comprehensive coverage of system requirementsCommunicate status, risks, and issues clearly through written reports, presentations, and daily interactions with stakeholdersThis requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed belowThis requisition may be filled at either a Principal Level or a Sr. Principal Level.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 considered in lieu of a degreeU.S Citizenship is requiredA current/active U.S. Government Secret ClearanceAbility to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).Experience with RF lab test equipment: i.e. signal generator, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc.Experience troubleshooting and resolving HW/SW/FW integration problemsExperience coding in MATLAB to support coding, test scripting, data analysis, and signal processingExperience working a system bench, running acceptance test plans, writing test reports, troubleshooting hardware and software, communicating status updates.Basic Qualifications for a Sr. 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 degreeU.S Citizenship is requiredA current/active U.S. Government Secret ClearanceAbility to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).Experience with RF lab test equipment: i.e. signal generator, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc.Experience troubleshooting and resolving HW/SW/FW integration problemsExperience coding in MATLAB to support coding, test scripting, data analysis, and signal processingExperience working a system bench, running acceptance test plans, writing test reports, troubleshooting hardware and software, communicating status updates.Preferred Qualifications:Active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance or higherPrevious experience working on a Special Access ProgramKnowledge integrating and testing software written in C, C++.Knowledge of RADAR SystemsKnowledge of firmware and hardware control integration planning and executionKnowledge of embedded systems design and implementationExperience developing scripts in python to automate manual processes.Understanding of Systems Engineering concepts, including requirements analysis and verification planning and executionExperience working in a multi-disciplinary team environmentSolid verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate internallyThis position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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.