Principal / Senior Principal Systems Engineer - I&T

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems' Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) division is seeking a Systems Integration & Test (SI&T) Engineers (Level 2 or Level 3) in Baltimore, MD to support test and verification activities of RF sensor systems. What you’ll get to do: As the lead developer of radars, COMMS, and SIGINT for some of the most advanced systems in the U.S. arsenal, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a world leader in advanced sensor systems and design. These include airborne RADARs for fighter jets & UAVs including F-22, F-35, F-16, Global Hawk (Triton), and Gray Eagle (STARLite), airborne surveillance RADARs for AWACS and E-7 (MESA), and ground and maritime RADARs including G/ATOR and SEWIP.  Qualified Systems Integration, Test & Evaluation (SITE) engineers will perform hands-on integration and testing of sophisticated RF sensor systems, including both hardware and software components in development and production environments; Synthesize internal and external customer needs and requirements into system tests that acknowledge technical and schedule constraints; Participate in the development and execution of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for verifying system requirements; participate in I&T readiness reviews, design reviews and conducts audits of I&T program facilities; Coordinate integrated testing activities that may include environmental, reliability and the occasional flight test; Review and evaluate test requirements to ensure completeness of test program; Perform analysis of test results and prepares comprehensive reports; Use modeling and simulation tools to expedite testing of individual units before all system components are available and for troubleshooting and repair of failed units.

What You’ll Get to Do: 
Experienced systems engineer providing technical leadership for ATP, Development I&T, and Capabilities I&T activities. This role leads test planning and execution, lab configuration management, and requirements verification across multiple SILs and benches, while mentoring early‑career engineers. 

Key responsibilities 

• Lead lab and bench ownership 

• Serve as lead maintainer for one or more integration labs/benches (e.g., SILs, Mode benches, MATE bays). 

• Own bench design changes, maintenance planning, and configuration management of HW/SW, processors, and test equipment. 

• Own test planning and execution 

• Develop and lead LRIP ATP, HW DVT, and SSQT test plans, procedures, and success criteria. 

• Define and manage regression test campaigns for system SW OFP, FW, FESW, BSCT and related components. 

• Coordinate Mode SIL bench operations and flight test preparation and support, including objectives and No/Go criteria. 

• Drive system integration of new capabilities 

• Lead MATE and system integration of new advanced capabilities into SILs and lab environments. 

• Ensure integration plans and test strategies support accelerated development and delivery schedules. 

• Manage configuration and verification artifacts 

• Own configuration management processes for MATE and system test environments, ensuring traceability and controlled changes. 

• Lead PBS SE requirements verification, including VCRM content, verification documentation, and closure of requirements. 

• Troubleshooting, coordination, and mentoring 

• Lead HW/SW troubleshooting across multiple SILs and benches. 

• Coordinate with SIT, TDE, FW, FESW, subsystem I&T, SEC, Mode, and other stakeholders as primary technical contact for integration and test issues. 

• Mentor T02 engineers (Req A hires) in test design, execution, and verification practices. 

This is a 2nd shift position

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Level or a Sr. Principal Level. 

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Engineer – Integration & Test

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience with; 3+ years with a Master’s; 1+ year with a PhD. 

• Demonstrated experience in system integration and test on complex HW/SW systems, preferably in defense or aerospace. 

• Experience leading lab/bench ownership, test campaigns, or requirements verification activities. 

• Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to coordinate across multiple teams and present technical status to management and customers. 

• Active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start is required.

• Candidate must be a US citizen

• Ability to work onsite in Baltimore, MD.

• Willingness to work 2nd shift

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Engineer – Integration & Test

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience with; 6+ years with a Master’s; 4+ year with a PhD. 

• Demonstrated experience in system integration and test on complex HW/SW systems, preferably in defense or aerospace. 

• Experience leading lab/bench ownership, test campaigns, or requirements verification activities. 

• Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to coordinate across multiple teams and present technical status to management and customers. 

• Active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start is required.

• Candidate must be a US citizen

• Ability to work onsite in Baltimore, MD.

• Willingness to work 2nd shift

Preferred qualifications 

• Prior experience on Tactical Radar Programs or similar mission systems. 

• Familiarity with configuration management tools and disciplined processes for complex test environments. 

• Experience directing flight test objectives, No/Go criteria, and test configuration. 

This position is contingent upon transfer of active DoD Secret Clearance and approved special program access.