Principal RF Systems Engineer / Senior Principal RF Systems Engineer
Ngc· Defense· Aug 6, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 82 days ago
Baltimore, MD
In office
Full-time
Principal
$136K–$204K
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open 82 days.
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 by 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.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal / Senior Principal Radio Frequency Systems Engineer to join our organization. Our organization within Northrop Grumman Mission Systems offers the opportunity to join a team to solve problems in the field and drive new solutions into next generation systems across a wide variety of platforms and environments. You will support the Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) team on multiple major development programs.
This position is based out of Linthicum, MD and will be 100% on-site.
This requisition may be filled as a Principal RF Systems Engineer or a Senior Principal RF Systems Engineer.
What You’ll get to Do:
As the Principal / Senior Principal Radio Frequency Systems Engineer you will be primarily engaged in the development and fielding of systems for advanced dedicated and multi-function RF subsystems. You will work early in the system lifecycle by developing parametric representations, visualizations, and data-driven analyses to support sensor requirements definition and use case validation. Beyond the analysis and design phases, you will also be involved in integrating sensor modes and trackers, transitioning from digital simulation environments to sensor labs and our fleet of specially modified test aircraft. Throughout this process, you will engage with customers to balance their functional and performance requirements with other sensor functionalities, enabling true multi-function operation.
Support for performance compliant design of algorithms on next generation multifunction RF sensor
Support for novel solutions amid implementation constraints such as system interfaces, real time digital resource management, hardware limitations
Support for maturation and verification in digital simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments, including authorship to test requirements
Apply strong systems engineering knowledge to various projects
Engage in System Architecture and Concept Development to establish clear project frameworks
Conduct Candidate Technology Trade Studies to evaluate potential solutions
Develop and derive requirements to ensure project specifications align with objectives
Collaborate on Algorithm Development for system functionality and efficiency
Perform Performance Analysis to assess system capabilities and effectiveness
Execute Data Analysis to derive insights and inform decision-making
Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams, including hardware, software, and firmware engineers
Encourage innovation by identifying improvements and creatively solving problems
This position is contingent upon contract award, the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal RF Systems Engineer:
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).
Experience in RF applications, including developing and applying models in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C
Experience in tracking and algorithm development
Experience in developing and implementing novel systems
Experience in RF applications
Basic Qualifications for a Senior Principal RF Systems Engineer:
Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, Master s degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 years 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).
Experience in RF applications, including developing and applying models in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C
Experience in tracking and algorithm development
Experience in developing and implementing novel systems
Experience in RF applications
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or other related technical fields
A current / active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher
Familiarity with 1 or more RF sensing modalities and their applications
Experience with digital signal processing
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: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off