Principal Systems Algorithm Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 108,800 - 163,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Savings plan

Paid time off

Education assistance

Training and development

9/80 work schedule (where available)

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, MD seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to work on algorithm development for electro-optical and infrared sensors.

The candidate will develop EOIR-centric algorithms, analyze data from advanced sensors, and work on high-fidelity models. Requirements include a STEM degree and active Secret Clearance. Preferred candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in technical proposals.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience with Bachelor's, 3 years with Master's, or 1 year with Ph.D.; 4 years may substitute for degree.
• Current active U.S. Government Secret Clearance is mandatory.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, test, and deploy novel EOIR-centric algorithms.
• Build and maintain physics-based sensor models.
• Analyze performance metrics for system performance.

Skills

Technical computing languages (Python, MATLAB)

Experience with airborne/space-based EOIR sensors

Physics-based detection methods

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related field

Master’s degree

Ph.D. in related technical fields

Job description

Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance required for start: Yes. Clearance type: Secret. Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.

As a Principal Systems Engineer in the Advanced EOIR team, you will work on concept and algorithm development for electro‑optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor modeling, signal/image processing, and AI/ML algorithm development to support emerging sensors and mission areas.

What You’ll Get To Do

You will work with a diverse team of physicists, signal processing engineers, and AI/ML engineers to develop novel EOIR sensor capabilities and evaluate the performance of these techniques. You will develop concepts for novel EO/IR sensors and cutting‑edge algorithms to meet emerging mission needs, analyze data from advanced sensors, and generate synthetic data using high‑fidelity, physics‑based models.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, test, and deploy novel EOIR‑centric algorithms.
• Build and maintain physics‑based sensor models.
• Develop and quantify performance metrics for system performance.
• Understand data quality and artifact impacts.
• Represent system performance in functional and analytical models.
• In coordination with the algorithm architect, lead technical execution of R&D programs.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 degree.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Current active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience with technical computing languages, e.g., Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with airborne and/or space‑based EOIR sensors.
• Experience with physics‑based detection methods for various phenomenologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM.
• Experience writing technical proposals.
• Experience developing and executing internal research and development projects.
• Current Top‑Secret clearance, SAP access(es), and/or SCI access.
• Strong communication skills, both for internal and external audiences.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Benefits include health plan, savings plan, paid time off, education assistance, training and development, 9/80 work schedule (where available), and more.

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00. The range is a general guideline; the actual offer is based on the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and market conditions.

EEO Statement

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.