
Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead
Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified August 11, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Northrop Grumman is hiring a Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead — a full-time, based in Linthicum, MD role ($136k–$204k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.
Payload AI&T Lead Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (AHT)
Location: United States-Maryland-Linthicum
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is a strategic partner specializing in delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions for classified and unclassified missions in space. As part of Eastern Region Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (ER-SEIT), you will have the opportunity to experience the entire space design lifecycle. We do it all here, on-site, from sensors to payloads to full up spacecraft, supporting Class A to Class D missions. All the way from early mission and concept design to on-orbit operational support.
As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to support efforts on both concept and product development to deliver key solutions to our customers. We cover a wide variety expertise within the systems engineering domain. This includes mission engineering, requirements, architecture, modeling and simulation, integration and test, verification, and validation, and many more!
The Payload AI&T Lead is responsible for directing the execution of the overall systems engineering, integration, and test (SEIT) effort on the program and is responsible for horizontal and vertical integration across all engineering elements of the program. The ideal candidate ensures the integrity of engineering processes and timely development of core engineering work products. The AI&T Lead may have Control Account Manager (CAM) responsibility, which comprises cost and schedule management for the SEIT work scope and interfaces with the Program Manager, Chief Engineer, System Architect, other engineering team leads, as well as the customer.
The position will be responsible for leading systems engineering tasks for space subsystems, payloads and/or vehicles. Responsibilities include leading I&T analysis and tool development, coding/script development to analyze and interpret RF data for the purposes of debug/troubleshooting and system compliance assessment, support various test environments with different analysis needs, create/improve/operate custom SW tools during I&T and operational workflow.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance a time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
- Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, a Master's degree with 6 years of experience or a PhD with 3 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical fields.
- Experience leading technical teams.
- Experience in systems development, integration, and test.
- Demonstrated Multi-Disciplinary Engineering exposure (Software, Hardware, Electrical) and strong ability to communicate cross-functionally.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills.
- Ability to work 100% on-site full-time in Linthicum, MD
Preferred Qualifications:
- Risk and Opportunity Management experience.
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVMS)
- Experience with Space sensor payloads, including antennas, radar, EO/IR, and/or communications.
- Experience interfacing with large multi-site/multi-division teams.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman?
The estimated salary range for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman is $136,000 - $204,000 USD per year.
What skills are required for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman?
The required skills for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman include: Electrical Engineering.
What is the seniority level for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman?
Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman is a Senior / Principal level position.
How do I apply for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman?
You can view the full description and apply for Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Payload AI&T Lead at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-payload-ai-t-lead-sr-principal-systems-engineer-aht-reol8.