Principal Systems Engineer - Global Hawk LTC Integration

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

Job summary

Northrop Grumman, Aeronautics Systems, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Rancho Bernardo team. You will define LTC architectures for the RQ‑4 FMS program and lead integration across hardware and software with IV&V focus, collaborating with cross-functional teams on-site.

Ideal candidates have strong analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills, plus a STEM degree and active U.S. clearance; start dates depend on funding and program timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in STEM with 5+ years relevant experience, or MS with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ year.
• Experience with hardware/software integration and system-level troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and develop ICDs, interface specs, and test procedures.
• Active US Government Secret clearance or higher with a background investigation within 6 years or Continuous Evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Define LTC architectures for LTC capabilities on the RQ‑4 FMS program.
• Define system and subsystem physical architecture and allocate functions.
• Perform end-to-end IV&V of complex software and hardware.
• Troubleshoot root causes and document solutions.
• Lead integration events and support system-level testing.
• Maintain ICDs and IDDs for clear interfaces.

Skills

System integration

IV&V

Architecture design

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

Master's in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

ICDs

IDDs

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.

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 subsystemfunctional architecturefor LTC capabilities on the RQ‑4 FMS program.
• Support defining system and subsystemphysical architecture, including allocation of functions to hardware and software components.
• Performend-to-end system integration, verification, and validation (IV&V)of complex software and hardware subsystems in support of LTC capabilities.
• Conducttroubleshooting and root-cause analysisof issues discovered during integration activities and generate effective, documented solutions.
• Conductearly and formal integration eventsand supportsystem-level testingof fully integrated complex software and hardware subsystems.
• Develop, update, and maintain internal and externalInterface Control Documents (ICDs)andInterface 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.