Systems Engineer (2/3 level) - Modeling Sim & Analysis SW Dev

Northrop Grumman; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Overtime pay

Discretionary bonus

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Company holidays

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Systems Engineer (2/3 level) to join the team in Palmdale, CA. The role focuses on modeling, simulation, and software development to support real-time operator-in-the-loop environments.

The position requires a Secret clearance, on-site work, and up to 25% travel. Candidates will design, implement, and test advanced simulations with C#/C++, Java, and OO techniques, collaborating with IPTs to deliver integrated mission solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires STEM degree with 2+ years (BS) or 3+ years (MS) or 1 year (PhD) for clearance eligibility.
• Experience with C#/C++/Java or other OO languages.
• Knowledge of modeling/simulation of radars, missiles, or defense systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and test physics-based, real-time simulations for operator-in-the-loop environments.
• Develop software components for sensor/payload models and EW effects.
• Conduct trade studies and assess architectures via computer simulations.
• Create GUIs and visualization tools for mission analysis and operator interaction.
• Ensure robust, scalable, maintainable code through CI and automated tests.
• Collaborate with IPTs to define requirements and interfaces.

Skills

C#/C++/Java

Object-Oriented

Debugging

Modeling & Simulation

Real-time systems

Communication

Education

BS in STEM

MS in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

VRSG

AFSIM

MACE

Git/SCM

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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Systems Engineer (2/3 level) - Modeling Sim & Analysis Software Dev to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in Palmdale, CA.

Roles And Responsibilities Will Include

• Design, develop, integrate, and test physics‑based, real‑time engineering simulations supporting mission‑level Operator‑In‑The‑Loop (OITL) environments.
• Implement and maintain software components that model sensor/payload operations and advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) effects, using modern frameworks and object‑oriented programming languages (e.g., C#/C++, Java).
• Perform trade studies via computer simulation to compare architectures and recommend software and system design alternatives.
• Develop, integrate, and refine advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools to support operator interaction and mission analysis.
• Utilize software and analytical tools to model system behavior in real‑time and constructive simulations, focusing on robust, scalable, and maintainable code.
• Conduct software builds and installations, perform smoke tests, and drive automated/continuous integration test approaches to ensure software quality.
• Debug complex software issues, optimize performance, and enhance existing simulation capabilities based on test results and user feedback.
• Periodically demonstrate integrated software capabilities to sector leadership and key customers and incorporate feedback into the product roadmap.
• Collaborate within Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to define requirements, design interfaces, and deliver integrated mission‑simulation solutions across multiple security environments, programs, and platforms.

This role is a required full-time, on-site position at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

This role may be filled at an Engineer or Principal Engineer level based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications

• Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 2 years of experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline.
• Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience
• Must have experience with engineering skills using C#/C++, JAVA, or other Object-Oriented programming languages.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas:
• Knowledge of debugging code and software developmental languages
• Modeling and Simulation of Radars, Missiles, Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS), Air and/or Space platforms
• Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Protection (EP), Electronic Countermeasures
• Red and/or Blue CONOPs and TTPs
• Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• The ability to develop (C# and JAVA) and integrate prototype and pre-production software to support simulation events.
• The ability to develop physics-based models and simulations using Object Oriented programming.
• Systems and software integration experience related to Service Oriented Architectures.
• An ability to work with a team in a rapid prototyping environment.
• Experience with real time 3D visualization / image generation tools such as VRSG.
• Experience with system of systems modeling tools: AFSIM, MACE, or similar tools.
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Operational military background or experience
• Experience with version control tools (Tortoise Git, Atlassian Suite, Gitlab, etc.).
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills to include project/analysis lead experience.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary 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.