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Principal Systems Engineer / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Flight Test)

Northrop Grumman
MDLI08, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Jun 2026
💰 $203,600/yr($108,800/yr$203,600/yr)

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer based out of Baltimore, MD, supporting our Flight Test organization.

What You’ll Get To Do:

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the electrical design, integration, and flight testing of systems under test on flying test beds.  This includes electrical systems interface definition, design, electrical system integration, electrical system verification & validation test support, cost & risk analyses, and supportability & effectiveness of the system under test. The Systems Engineer is also responsible for proper operation of system under test during test bed ground and active flight operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Work with a skilled team of experienced former military test pilots, system software and hardware experts, and other flight test professionals integrating and testing advanced sensor systems on board highly modified experimental aircraft.

  • Ensure 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.

  • Occasionally (up to 25% of the time) operate out of customer locations (typically military test centers; domestically only, no overseas travel anticipated)

  • Lead working groups and technical interchange meetings, utilizing your written, verbal communication, and presentation skills.

  • Work independently under limited direction within the scope of an assignment and use independent judgment in determining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.

  • Work in a fast paced, fluid environment and adapt to frequently changing needs of programs and customers on a weekly or daily basis.

This requisition may be filled as either a Principal Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer based on the qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:

  • BS Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering or other related STEM and 5 years of related experience; or MS Degree in STEM and 3 years of related experience.

  • Must have experience with design, integration and/or troubleshooting of electrical systems.

  • Must have experience with avionic systems development and testing.

  • Willingness and ability to fly on experimental aircraft.

  • Willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

  • U.S. Citizenship and current/active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance are required; must have the ability to obtain/maintain SAP (Special Program Access) clearance.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principle Systems Engineer:

  • BS Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering or other related STEM and 8 years of related experience; or MS Degree in STEM and 6 years of related experience.

  • Must have experience with design, integration and/or troubleshooting of electrical systems.

  • Must have experience with avionic systems development and testing.

  • Willingness and ability to fly on experimental aircraft.

  • Willing to tra

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Company

Northrop Grumman

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