Principal Systems Engineer - State Estimation and Target Tracking

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Training and Development

9/80 Work Schedule

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Linthicum, MD is seeking Principal Systems Engineers to develop and field target tracking and sensor fusion systems for advanced RF subsystems.

The role emphasizes analysis, data-driven design, and integration from digital simulations to on-site labs, with close collaboration across hardware and software teams. Candidates should have a STEM degree and experience with multi-target tracking or radar, MATLAB and C++, and the ability to obtain or hold a U.S.

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.
• A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Operates as a core individual contributor responsible for the sustained performance and minor adaptation of established algorithms and systems.
• Execute technical tasks under general supervision, focusing on maintaining existing functionalities and making incremental improvements within clearly defined boundaries.
• Ensures current systems meet performance objectives by leveraging existing documentation, such as defined Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Utilize foundational skills in MATLAB and C++ for basic analysis and code modifications.

Skills

MATLAB

C++

Sensor fusion

Multi-target tracking

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Ph.D.

Tools

ICDs (Interface Control Documents)

Job description

Relocation Assistance:

Relocation assistance may be available

Clearance Required for Start:

Yes

Clearance Type:

Secret

Travel:

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.

We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel missions in rapidly changing global security environments. By joining our shared mission, you’ll receive support to expand your personal network and develop skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. You’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

We offer the opportunity to join a high‑performing team solving problems and driving new solutions into next‑generation radar systems and air superiority platforms from development to production. Qualified candidates will apply strong systems engineering knowledge and understanding in the areas of target tracking, state estimation, and sensor fusion, working with various systems, hardware, and software teams. We encourage engineers to be innovative with solving problems and identifying improvements.

This position requires up to 100% on‑site.

What You’ll get to Do:

This position is primarily engaged in the development and fielding of target tracking and sensor fusion systems for advanced multi‑function RF subsystems. Key features of operation include analyzing, shaping, and relating data from a wide variety of modes, such as long‑range search and track radar waveforms and electronic surveillance measure returns.

Early in the system lifecycle, Principal Systems Engineers develop parametric representations, visualizations, and data‑driven analysis to support sensor requirements definition and use case validation. Progressing past analysis and design, Northrop Grumman Systems Engineers also support the integration of sensor modes and trackers from digital simulation environments to sensor labs to our on‑site fleet of specially modified test aircraft. Throughout this process, AMS Systems Engineers engage with our customers to balance their functional and performance requirements with other sensor functionality to enable true multi‑function operation.

• Operates as a core individual contributor responsible for the sustained performance and minor adaptation of established algorithms and systems.
• Execute technical tasks under general supervision, focusing on maintaining existing functionalities and making incremental improvements within clearly defined boundaries.
• Ensures current systems meet performance objectives by leveraging existing documentation, such as defined Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Utilize foundational skills in MATLAB and C++ for basic analysis and code modifications.

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.
• A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start.
• Experience with multi‑target tracking, adaptive processing, or sensor fusion algorithms.
• Experience with MATLAB or equivalent programming/analysis languages.
• Experience with RF signal processing or RF applications.
• Experience with working knowledge of systems engineering principles and processes and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A current/active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance.
• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline including electives in radar techniques and signal processing.
• Has been previously approved for special access programs.

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. Your benefits will include Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including 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 above 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.