Systems Engineer 4 - RF Communications - Space
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Sep 3, 2026 · 2mo ago
United States-Alabama-Huntsville
In office
Full-time
Staff
$144K–$212K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.
This position is for a Sr Principal Systems Engineer - RF Communications to support the IFICS Data Terminal (IDT) product team on the Ground Based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) Weapon System (GWS) program. The candidate should have experience taking on progressively challenging responsibilities, demonstrating initiative, and driving innovative solutions. They should be recognized as a self-starter with a proven ability to lead teams, learn quickly, and deliver results in dynamic environments.
This is not a telework/remote position
• STEM Bachelors Degree with 8 years of related experience; Master's degree with 6 Years of related experience or PhD 4 Years of related experience
• Experience working with Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA).
• Experience with hardware and software design of complex RF communications systems.
• Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics and block diagrams
• Experience with RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator
• Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analysis for total systems.
• Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
• Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
• Prior experience using DOORS.
• Prior experience using Atlassian Tools.
• Familiar with Agile terminology and best practices.
• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Government security clearance at the DoD secret level; and a minimum of an interim secret clearance will be required to start.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with MIL-STD-810 and performing Environmental Qualification Testing (EQT).
• Experience working, designing, and/or developing with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) per MIL-STD-461 and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) per MIL-STD-464.
• Experience working, designing, and/or developing with High-Altitude electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) per MIL-STD-188-125-1 and MIL-STD-188-125-2.
• Experience working, designing, and/or developing with Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) per MIL-HDBK-344.
• Experience with reviewing and using hardware assembly drawings and associated parts list.
• Experience with reviewing and using system and rack interconnect cabling drawings.
• Strategic Planning & Execution.
• Initiative & Process Improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration.
• Effective Communication & Stakeholder Management.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship.
• Taking ownership of high-stakes or challenging tasks.
• Transitioning into new roles with expanded responsibilities.
• Driving initiatives that align with company goals or mission.
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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Keywords to mirror
agile
- Platform
- eightfold
- Effort
- medium
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off