Principal/sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Rolling Meadows, IL +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer to coordinate across disciplines, define and capture system requirements and design. This role involves decomposing requirements, supporting trade studies, guiding design decisions, and utilizing Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools like DOORS and Cameo. Experience with EOIR and RFEW systems is relevant. The role requires a US Citizen with an active Secret clearance, with potential for SAP access. AI/ML experience is listed as a preferred qualification in specific RF applications.

What you'd actually do

  1. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured.
  2. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making.
  3. System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS.

Skills

Required

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience (Principal) OR 8 years (Sr. Principal); OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years (Principal) OR 6 years (Sr. Principal); OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year (Principal) OR 4 years (Sr. Principal)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Nice to have

  • Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
  • Hands‑on experience with MATLAB/Python
  • Proficiency with RF‑CAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS
  • Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGA‑based RF prototyping
  • Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
  • Hands‑on experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming
  • Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
  • Top Secret security clearance

What the JD emphasized

  • SAP
  • US Citizen
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • additional customer specified clearance