Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Electronics - Communications Integration (Palmdale CA)

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company committed to providing innovative solutions that secure and advance the future of the nation and the world. With a rich history of pioneering advancements, including the first transatlantic flight, stealth bomber technology, and the moon landing, Northrop Grumman is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development. The company fosters a culture grounded in intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and inclusivity, encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work and collaborate on ambitious projects that challenge conventional limits. Through its Aeronautics Systems division, Northrop Grumman develops sophisticated aerospace platforms and systems that have lasting impact in commercial, defense, and space domains. Its talented workforce enjoys the opportunity to work on revolutionary technologies that shape global security and exploration.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal/Senior Principal Engineer specializing in Electronics - Communications Integration to join their team based onsite in Palmdale, California. This critical role involves leading the hands-on integration and testing of advanced communications equipment in a lab environment, focusing on configuring and validating next-generation communication methods and hardware for complex test scenarios. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing detailed lab test procedures and validation plans, which include thorough signal chain analysis, link budgets, interference checks, and establishing precise pass/fail criteria. Operating and configuring sophisticated RF and network testbeds and emulators—including channel emulators, attenuators, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network simulators—will be vital to replicating operational environments necessary for accurate equipment validation. This engineer will troubleshoot intricate hardware and software integration challenges spanning RF front ends, digital basebands, modem stacks, and network interfaces, ensuring seamless communication subsystem performance.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining configuration management and lab readiness by preserving test fixtures, calibration records, test scripts, version control of test artifacts, and generating comprehensive technical reports for stakeholders. The role requires active collaboration with the Integrated Communications Systems team to align testing strategies with system goals. The position demands a pioneering, self-starting engineer comfortable working within an Integrated Product Team construct, capable of independently managing test environments and producing reliable data outputs. Up to 25% travel may be required, emphasizing the dynamic and collaborative nature of the role across various operational sites or partner locations.

Candidates for this position must hold an active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance at the start, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance as required by company needs. Salary ranges for this role vary from $114,000 to $171,000 for Principal Engineers and $142,200 to $213,400 for Senior Principal Engineers, with factors such as education, experience, and skills influencing the final offer. In addition to competitive compensation, Northrop Grumman offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, life and disability coverage, savings plans, paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal matters. This opportunity is ideal for engineers seeking to work at the forefront of communications integration technology within a respected aerospace leader that values innovation, diversity, and making a global impact.