Principal Engineer Systems (26-465)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 16, 2026 · 12d ago
United States-Alabama-Huntsville
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
5+ 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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Engineer Systems (26-465) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.
This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.
Position Overview:
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.
Essential Functions:
• Serve as a Systems Engineer within the SE&V (Systems Engineering & Verification) organization on the C2BMC program
• Develop post‑processing analysis tools and visualizations (primarily in Java and Python) to assess and analyze C2BMC system performance
• Translate existing MATLAB analysis tools into performant, maintainable Java implementations
• Write efficient, well‑structured Java and Python code; refactor legacy components to improve scalability, latency, reliability, and resource utilization
• Conduct deep‑dive performance studies on C2BMC capabilities, generate actionable insights, and recommend architecture and algorithmic improvements
• Maintain and evolve the Jenkins/HTCondor automation platform, including creation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pipeline jobs, scripts, and plugins
• Collaborate with systems engineering, software, and test teams to understand C2BMC performance at a system‑of‑systems level and perform high‑level performance analysis
• Develop, document, and present analysis results via clear, professional reports and briefings to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Stay current with emerging Java/Python performance techniques, CI/CD tools, and database technologies, and proactively recommend and implement improvements
• Perform other related duties as required to support program and customer objectives
Basic Qualifications:
Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in STEM Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master’s degree ( preferred ) in a STEM -related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 1 year of relevant work experience
• Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
• Relevant applied experience in Software Engineering with demonstrated ability to deliver technical solutions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, to document analysis, develop technical reports, and create briefing materials
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Hands‑on experience in one or more of the following programming languages such as Java, C++, Python
• Familiarity with database management, including working with data sets used for analysis and performance assessment
• Understanding of networking or data communications concepts sufficient to support system‑level performance analysis
• Ability to develop software tools and scripts to automate data processing, analysis, and reporting tasks
• Experience using software engineering best practices (version control, code reviews, unit testing, documentation)
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience producing tooling and products to support the analysis or assessment of complex systems or projects, preferably using Java and Python
• Experience with DevOps / CI/CD tools , including Jenkins, HTCondor, GitLab (or similar)
• Familiarity with applying statistical distributions and methods in Hypothesis testing
• Model validation, Inferential statistics, Confidence‑interval estimation, Goodness‑of‑fit testing and interpretation
• Experience performing systems engineering activities for DoD information systems, including requirements, verification/validation, or performance analysis
• Experience creating and briefing technical chart packages that summarize analysis methodology, tooling, and results for internal teams and/or customers
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:
• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements
benefits.northropgrumman.com
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Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
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