Space Engineer/Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 87,600 - 163,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking engineers for Systems Engineer and Principal Systems Engineer roles in the Space SEIT Engineering Organization in Rolling Meadows, IL. You will design, model, simulate, integrate, and test space systems, working with sensors, optics, and RF subsystems in a fast‑paced defense environment.

Responsibilities include MBSE production, requirement traceability, risk assessments, and technical reporting.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree.
• Experience with signal processing and algorithm development.
• Proficient in MATLAB or Python object‑oriented programming.
• U.S. citizen; ability to obtain DoD Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine MBSE products (system models, use cases, state machines).
• Generate specifications in DOORS with traceability and DXL scripting.
• Develop functional algorithms and real‑time signal processing methods.
• Assess risks, perform integration tests, and report performance metrics.
• Present analyses to influence system design and customer buy‑in.
• Develop interfaces, tests, and supporting technical documentation.

Skills

Signal processing

Algorithm development

MATLAB

Python

Real-time signal processing

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

DOORS

ClearCase/ClearQuest

Robot Framework

Job description

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Security Clearance and Travel

Clearance Required: Yes – Top Secret. Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.

Job Overview

Systems Engineer (Level 2) / Principal Systems Engineer (Level 3) roles in the Space Sectors’ Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization at Rolling Meadows, IL. The SEIT organization develops complex subsystems and defense electronics for space superiority missions. The candidate will be responsible for design, modeling, simulation, integration, and testing of space systems.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine Model-Based System Engineering products (system behavioral models, use case realizations, state machines).
• Generate and update specifications in DOORS, including requirements traceability and DXL script development.
• Perform capability assessments to predict requirement compliance.
• Develop functional algorithms.
• Conduct risk assessment and mitigation rollout.
• Generate and report technical performance measures.
• Present analysis to shape system design and secure end‑customer buy‑in.
• Develop integration interfaces and documentation.
• Develop physics‑based in‑house models and algorithms.
• Analyze and trade product‑line architectures with analytical models and mission‑level simulations.
• Author technical documentation (white papers, proposal volumes, milestone briefings).
• Present technical analysis to multiple stakeholders.
• Work with sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics and associated lab equipment.
• Apply real‑time signal processing techniques.
• Use MATLAB, Python, or other scripting languages.
• Use Robot Framework or other test automation frameworks.
• Use DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest.
• Create and execute integration and test plans and procedures.
• Perform system verification and validation.
• Support Systems Integration Labs (SIL) testing.
• Apply agile development practices.
• Travel as required.

Qualifications

• Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years experience. MS + 0 years experience.
• Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years experience, or MS + 3 years, or PhD + 0 years.
• BS and/or MS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical degree.
• Experience with signal processing and algorithm development.
• Proficient in MATLAB or Python object‑oriented programming.
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application.
• Prerequisite: ability to obtain TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph (preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational and coordination skills working with cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of the space domain (orbital mechanics, remote sensing).
• Strong RF domain background (link budget, waveform modulation, transceivers, antennas).
• Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers.
• Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph (preferred).

Salary

Primary Level: $87,600.00 – $131,400.00 per year.
Secondary Level: $108,800.00 – $163,200.00 per year.
Salary is a guideline; final offer considers scope, experience, education, skills and market conditions.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and, for VP or Director positions, long‑term incentives.

EEO & Citizenship

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance. See EEO statement on Northrop Grumman’s website.