Principal Engineer Systems (AHT)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 14, 2026 · 13d ago
United States-Colorado-Colorado Springs
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: No 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’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal Radar Signal Processing Engineer to join our team in Colorado Springs, CO.
If you thrive on solving complex challenges, leading technical direction, and seeing your work transition from concept through operational impact, this role is for you.
What You’ll Do:
• You will play a key role in the development and performance of radar algorithms and mission capabilities, including:
• Support the development and integration of radar algorithms to meet system mission and mode performance objectives.
• Translate system-level requirements into algorithm design and implementation plans.
• Perform functional and performance analyses of radar systems and mission modes.
• Develop mathematical algorithms for radar mode/sensor implementation.
• Plan and support software integration of system algorithms to model real-time behavior on the radar platform.
• Conduct kinematic trajectory threat analysis, mission scenario modeling and simulation, and technology trade studies.
• Support requirements development and derivation for radar system operational performance and conduct performance and data analysis.
• Perform mission engineering activities across the Systems Engineering “V” to ensure delivered performance aligns with desired operational capabilities.
• Ensure performance capabilities of new systems and architectures are properly traded against cost and mission requirements and assess operational effectiveness of existing and emerging systems in representative environments.
• Work within cross-disciplinary Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), soliciting input from stakeholders, synthesizing data, and communicating results to various levels of leadership.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the team through development and implementation activities.
You’ll have the opportunity to influence overall system architecture and performance while collaborating closely with radar, systems, software, and mission engineering experts.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 2 years of professional experience.
• Requires an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Demonstrated expertise with MATLAB and code prototyping.
• Familiar with radar signal processing concepts • I&Q Phase Detection
• Match Filtering and Pulse Compression
• Moving Target Indication or Doppler Processing
• Beamforming and Direction of Arrival determination
• Target Tracking and Identification
• Experience working through the Systems Engineering lifecycle for system development.
• Experience with signal processing and radar systems.
• Experience with radar Blake Charts for operational performance analysis.
• Proficiency with common engineering and collaboration tools, including: Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, etc.)SharePoint Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to plan and execute technical projects.
• Proven ability to work independently, organize complex tasks, and operate effectively in cross-functional teams with a strong customer focus.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility at the time of application.
• Demonstrated proficiency applying radar signal processing concepts • I&Q Phase Detection
• Match Filtering and Pulse Compression
• Moving Target Indication or Doppler Processing
• Beamforming and Direction of Arrival determination
• Target Tracking and Identification
• Experience with Python, C/C++, Java, or related programming languages.
• Experience with Agile methodologies (Kanban, Scrum, etc.).
• Experience with requirement derivation and decomposition for system design implementation and planning.
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
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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Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off