Senior Principal Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Sep 23, 2026 · 1mo ago
United States-Maryland-Annapolis
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 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.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
The Naval & Oceanic Systems business unit headquartered in Annapolis, MD values proactive, respectful, communicative, and authentic self-starters with a demonstrated ability to own their tasking and dependably deliver on commitments.
The Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test & Logistics (SEIT&L) Department at Northrop Grumman Oceanic is seeking a systems engineering generalist to join our team of dedicated and talented professionals.
In this position you will support complex, dynamic, maritime programs of national strategic importance. This opportunity will allow you to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art oceanic systems, providing exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies, including uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), undersea payloads, acoustic and non-acoustic sensors, sensor processing, navigation, platform integration, subsea and maritime-surface communication technologies, advanced algorithms, digital engineering, and more.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
• Work within multi-disciplined teams, performing in one or more of the following functions: mission engineering, requirements development & management (using DOORS), system architecture development, system modeling including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), establishing and integrating components of a digital design thread, interface development & management, concept of operations (CONOPS) development & management, trade studies / analysis of alternatives, integration & test, and verification & validation.
• Develop systems engineering work products associated with the functions above.
• Prepare and brief technical packages to program, company, and customer leadership teams.
• Support project and program processes, reviews, and technical planning activities.
• Develop content and present during milestone reviews including Systems Requirement Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), Consent to Ship Review (CSR).
• Support capture and proposal activities.
Though not required, experience with Navy customers and underwater/naval systems such as torpedoes, towed vehicles, UUVs, ROVs, SONAR/sensor systems, underwater mechanical structures and cabling, submarine payloads, etc. is desired. Experience in anti-submarine warfare, seabed warfare, mine countermeasures, and Navy tactics would also be desirable. Multiple positions are available; assignments will be made based on the candidate’s qualifications.
Our diverse and passionate engineering team encourages collaboration and is committed to personal and technical growth. We are distinguished by our welcoming, dependable workplace culture that supports work-life balance, innovation, and STEM outreach; all of which have made our campus a great place to work for 60 years.
This is a full-time on-site position located in Annapolis, MD.
This is a multi-level requisition; offers will be made commensurate with candidate experience and qualifications. Interested candidates should consider applying, even with lesser or greater levels of experience compared to the qualifications noted below.
Basic Qualifications:
• Have a keen interest in working in the maritime surface / undersea domain.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• 8 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree; 6 years with a Masters Degree; or 4 years with PhD
• Demonstrated experience in one or more Systems Engineering processes, including (but not limited to) requirements development & management, system modeling, system architecture development, interface traceability, integration & test, and verification & validation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn additional discipline areas.
• Current ACTIVE Top Secret clearance, and willingness to obtain a TS/SCI with CI polygraph.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Broad experience with systems engineering applied throughout the systems “V” lifecycle model.
• Proficiency in requirements management and tools such as IBM DOORS.
• Familiarity with architecture frameworks/modeling languages (e.g., SysML, UML, DoDAF, UPDM and/or UAF).
• Proficiency in Model-Based tools (e.g., Cameo, ModelCenter, SIEMENS Teamcenter).
• Proficiency executing systems engineering functions within a digital ecosystem.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities to include mentorship and working/interfacing with customers.
• Experience leading teams of systems engineers (e.g., as SEIT Lead).
• Experience preparing work products associated with the engineering milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Experience in naval warfare domains such as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Mine-Warfare (MIW), Cyber Warfare, and/or other.
• Industry/company recognition and awards, attendance and participation in industry/engineering conferences and symposiums, and/or patents/disclosures/publications.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI poly
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!
Primary 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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