
Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified August 16, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal Systems Engineer — a full-time, based in San Diego, CA role ($114k–$171k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.
Principal Systems Engineer
Location: United States-California-San Diego, United States-California-Palmdale, United States-California-El Segundo
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Sector has an opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer with a primary focus on Interface Control Document (ICD) definition and management. The position is located on site in Rancho Bernardo, CA, El Segundo, California or Palmdale, CA.
The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct. The candidate will be responsible for performing analysis while working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure to update and maintain a detailed set of software Interface Control Document (ICD) artifacts. The selected candidate will collaborate across engineering disciplines to integrate and communicate interface definition needs with internal stakeholders and external customers across multiple simultaneous Modernization and Sustainment efforts. This position will be in our Systems Engineering organization.
In this role, your primary roles and responsibilities will include:
- Serve as the ICD lead engineer, owning definition, documentation, update, and configuration control of system and subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Develop and maintain hardware, software, and data interfaces between internal subsystems and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency with system architecture and requirements.
- Coordinate and lead interface working groups and technical interchange meetings to resolve interface issues and drive convergence across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Use full knowledge of software and hardware disciplines to define and decompose interface from system-level requirements.
- Perform Systems Engineering activities, such as functional analysis, interface definition, and verification.
- Work on Agile programs and methodology using Jira, including backlog refinement of interface-related tasks and stories.
- Interface and present to program leadership and/or customers using strong written and oral communication skills, including status of ICD maturity, risks, and impacts.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.
- Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.
- Experience in DOORS, XML tooling (e.g., XSD editors, XML validators), Atlassian Tool Suite.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced environment, Action Oriented, Strong Attention to Detail, Communicates Effectively.
- Programming Skills in C/C++/Python/VBA including experience generating, parsing, and validating XML.
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and Systems Thinking mindset.
- Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders.
- Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
The estimated salary range for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman is $114,000 - $171,000 USD per year.
What skills are required for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
The required skills for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman include: JIRA, XML, Python, C++, C.
What is the seniority level for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman is a Principal level position.
How do I apply for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
You can view the full description and apply for Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-principal-systems-engineer-zg04i.