Staff Systems Signal Processing Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 169,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a seasoned engineer to lead system-level architecture and design for RF and multi-sensor signal processing chains. You will drive requirements, performance budgets, and integrated algorithm development across hardware, software, and real-time platforms.

Role requires strong background in DSP theory, MATLAB/Python, and radar-like sensing systems, with the ability to mentor early-career engineers and contribute to capture efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science/Engineering with 12+ years of experience, or advanced degree with relevant experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain Secret Clearance and SAP access.
• Experience with digital signal processing, MATLAB/Python, and system-level signal processing for radar or similar sensing systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level architecture and design of signal processing chains for RF/multi-sensor systems from requirements through verification.
• Develop and analyze signal processing algorithms for detection, estimation, tracking, and data fusion.
• Perform system modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/C++) to evaluate performance and robustness.
• Define and flow down system requirements, budgets, interfaces, and key design parameters.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to implement algorithms on embedded processors, FPGAs, or real-time platforms.

Skills

System-level architecture

Signal processing theory

MATLAB

Python

C++

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s or PhD in STEM (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re 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 those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

What You’ll get to Do:

• Lead the system-level architecture and design of signal processing chains for RF or multi‑sensor systems, from requirements through verification
• Develop and analyze signal processing algorithms for detection, estimation, tracking, classification, filtering, and data fusion.
• Perform system modeling and simulation (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and/or C++) to evaluate concept performance, trades, and robustness under representative operational scenarios.
• Define and flow down system and subsystem requirements, including performance budgets, interfaces, and key design parameters.
• Partner with hardware, software, and integration teams to implement algorithms on embedded processors, FPGAs, or real‑time platforms; support optimization and HW/SW partitioning.
• Conduct system performance analysis, including SNR/CFAR analysis, detection and false‑alarm trade studies, sensitivity and robustness assessments, and end‑to‑end verification against requirements.
• Lead or support lab/field test activities, including test plan development, data collection, data reduction, and post‑test analysis.
• Prepare and deliver technical reviews and briefings to internal leadership, customers, and cross‑functional teams; clearly communicate complex technical concepts and tradeoffs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to early‑career and mid‑level engineers in signal processing, modeling, and systems engineering practices.
• Support capture and proposal efforts by contributing to technical concepts, architectures, and requirements

This position 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of experience, master's degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 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 digital signal processing theory and application, including detection theory, estimation, filtering, spectral analysis, and time‑frequency methods.
• Experience developing and analyzing algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments
• Experience in system‑level signal processing for radar or similar sensing systems.
• Experience with requirements development, system architecture, and verification in a structured systems engineering environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or PhD in a STEM discipline
• Experience with real‑time implementation of algorithms on embedded processors, FPGAs (e.g., VHDL/Verilog, HDL‑Coder, or FPGA tool flows), or GPUs.
• Experience with data fusion, multi‑sensor tracking, machine learning applied to signal processing, or adaptive processing techniques.
• Background in DoD or aerospace/defense programs, including working with government customers, requirements documents, and gated reviews.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, make architecture decisions, and influence system design across disciplines.

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.

Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long‑term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.

Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00

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.