Principal Engineer / Sr. Principal Engineer — Digital-RF Subsystems Integration & Test Lead

Job Title

Principal Engineer / Sr. Principal Engineer — Digital-RF Subsystems Integration & Test Lead

Role Summary

Lead integration and test activities for digital‑RF subsystems (digital receivers/exciters, front ends, and related controls) across engineering and manufacturing environments. Work with cross-disciplinary teams to design subsystem testbeds, automate test processes, analyze results, and drive corrective actions to meet program requirements. This role requires an active U.S. Secret clearance and is contingent on program award. Relocation assistance may be available.

Experience Level

Senior level. Dual-level opening for Principal Engineer and Sr. Principal Engineer. Typical experience guidance: Principal — Bachelor's +5 years (or Master's +3, PhD +0), Sr. Principal — Bachelor's +8 years (or Master's +6, PhD +4). Candidates should have substantial hands-on digital/RF integration and lab test experience.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Integrate digital receiver/exciter hardware and build representative lab test environments.
• Integrate new equipment and programs into a state-of-the-art facility and maintain test infrastructure.
• Develop software to automate test procedures and perform data analysis.
• Troubleshoot digital and RF issues during testing of antenna systems and system-on-chip designs.
• Analyze test data to identify trends and inform corrective actions and design improvements.
• Support program meetings to develop root cause analyses and corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with design engineering on hardware, control, and test improvements; perform subsystem analysis from RF front end through digital processing.
• Support performance testing, requirements verification, Test Readiness Reviews, and Design Readiness Reviews.
• Execute subsystem and system-level testing in both engineering development and manufacturing environments; travel approximately 10%.

Requirements

Must-have skills and qualifications:

• Active U.S. Secret or Top-Secret security clearance required.
• Proven experience with digital and/or RF subsystem integration and test.
• Hands-on experience setting up and testing hardware in lab or benchtop environments.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or similar engineering analysis tools; ability to create test support applications and tools.
• Experience troubleshooting digital‑RF subsystems and understanding digital signal processing chains.
• For Sr. Principal level: demonstrated technical leadership and ability to delegate, task, and provide technical oversight for junior engineers.

Nice-to-have:

• TS/SCI or SAP clearance.
• Experience with FPGA/SoC development, VHDL/Verilog, and C++.
• Experience in electronic warfare, radar, AESA antenna systems, and control architectures.
• Experience with Python and lab test development for subsystem hardware.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline is typical. Principal-level guidance: Bachelor's +5 years, Master's +3 years, PhD +0 years. Sr. Principal-level guidance: Bachelor's +8 years, Master's +6 years, PhD +4 years. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

About the Company

Company: Northrop Grumman

Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, United States

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative solutions in mission systems, electronics, and software. With a legacy of significant advancements in technology, we empower employees to tackle complex challenges and create revolutionary systems that enhance global security. Our diverse teams focus on engineering innovation and product development, delivering solutions that support military and civilian customers worldwide.