Principal Systems Engineer - Global Hawk LTC Integration

Northrop Grumman; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in Rancho Bernardo, CA, seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to join a diverse team as a LTC integrator on the RQ-4 FMS program. You will define architectures, integrate hardware/software solutions, and support end-to-end system IV&V with on-site teamwork.

The role demands strong analytical and communication skills, experience in hardware/software integration, and the ability to interpret ICDs/IDDs. On-site collaboration with cross-functional teams is required.

Qualifications

• Must have a STEM degree and 5+ years of relevant military/professional experience, or a Master's with 3+ years, or a PhD with 1+ year.
• Experience with hardware/software integration and system-level troubleshooting.
• Proficient in reading/interpreting ICDs, interface specifications, and test procedures.
• Active US Government Secret or higher clearance (or EW/CE status) within last 6 years or in Continuous Evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Define system and subsystem architectures for LTC capabilities on the RQ-4 FMS program.
• Define system/physical architecture and allocate functions to hardware/software.
• Conduct end-to-end IV&V of complex software and hardware subsystems.
• Troubleshoot and perform root-cause analysis; implement documented solutions.
• Lead integration events and support system-level testing across subsystems.
• Develop and maintain ICDs and IDDs for clear interfaces across teams.

Skills

Hardware/Software integration

System-level troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Clearance: Secret

Education

Bachelor of Science in a STEM field

Master's Degree in a STEM field

PhD in a STEM field

Tools

ICDs/Interface Design Documents

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

has an opening for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

In this role, you will serve as a Long Term Communications (LTC) integrator on the RQ-4 FMS program. You'll focus on defining system and subsystem architectures, integrating complex hardware/software solutions, and supporting end-to-end system integration, verification, and validation activities. Additionally, you will work closely on-site in Rancho Bernardo with cross-functional engineering teams and external stakeholders. Your success in this position will require strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Support defining system and subsystem functional architecture for LTC capabilities on the RQ-4 FMS program.
• Support defining system and subsystem physical architecture, including allocation of functions to hardware and software components.
• Perform end-to-end system integration, verification, and validation (IV&V) of complex software and hardware subsystems in support of LTC capabilities.
• Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of issues discovered during integration activities and generate effective, documented solutions.
• Conduct early and formal integration events and support system-level testing of fully integrated complex software and hardware subsystems.
• Develop, update, and maintain internal and external Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Design Descriptions (IDDs) to ensure clear, controlled interfaces across systems and stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience
• Must have experience with hardware/software integration and system-level troubleshooting.
• Must have the ability to read, interpret, and/or develop technical documentation such as ICDs, interface specifications, and test procedures.
• Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with communications systems
• Familiarity with RQ-4 or other UAS platforms
• Experience with FMS customers
• Experience with system integration labs (SILs), HWIL, or similar integration/test environments.

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

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.