Staff Systems Engineer - State Estimation and Target Tracking

Northrop Grumman; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 169,000 - 254,000; 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 seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and field target tracking and sensor fusion systems for advanced RF subsystems on a fleet of test aircraft.

You will integrate sensor modes from digital simulations to lab environments and work closely with customers to balance performance requirements. The role requires a Secret clearance, 100% on‑site work, and ~10% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with ≥12 years of experience, master’s degree with ≥10 years, or Ph.D. with ≥8 years in STEM fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate 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.
• Ensure 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

Adaptive processing

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

Relocation assistance may be available. This position requires up to 100% on‑site presence.

Clearance required: Secret. The role is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access prior to start.

Travel: Yes, approximately 10% of the time.

Description

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and field target tracking and sensor fusion systems for advanced multi‑function RF subsystems. The role involves supporting the integration of sensor modes and trackers from digital simulation environments to sensor labs and to a fleet of test aircraft, while working closely with customers to balance functional and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate 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.
• Ensure 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 ≥12 years of experience, master’s degree with ≥10 years, or Ph.D. with ≥8 years in STEM fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Prior approval for special access programs.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health plan, savings plan, paid time off, and additional benefits such as education assistance, training and development, and a 9/80 work schedule (where available).

Salary

Primary level salary range: $169,000.00 – $253,600.00. Compensation may also include overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and, for certain levels, long‑term incentives.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.