Senior Principal Engineer - Survivability (California)
Northrop Grumman
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Palmdale, CA · Posted October 20, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description
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 is looking to add a Senior Principal Engineer - Survivability to join our team in either Palmdale, CA , or Rancho Bernardo, CA . The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge and technical experience with the development and procurement of aircraft survivability subsystem design, integration and test, and support for advanced programs.
Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Develop and maintain system requirements; develop sub-system architecture and drawings; author procurement specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDS), and Statements of Work
Manage vendors and subcontractors as part of a Supplier Management Team, with oversight of supplier development efforts and capability deliveries, and collaboration with suppliers on sustainment support
Establish and coordinate test plans, support text execution, and conduct post-test data analysis. Test events may be executed in a lab or field environment
Communicate risks, issues, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders
Coordinate internally with support organizations such as Global Supply Chain, Facilities, IT and Security
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. Travel up to 25% may be required.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience
Demonstrated depth of knowledge of RF and Antenna functionality, with experience in RF integration and testing
Direct experience in Survivability / Low Observables, applying and extending electromagnetic principles related to Radar Cross Section / RF signature
Experience in Systems Engineering, LRU integration and testing, and supplier management
Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
MS degree in electrical engineering; physics; or applied mathematics from an ABET accredited university
Demonstrated expertise with RF and antenna design, development, integration and test, and/or sustainment
Proficiency in Mission Systems integration for Survivable systems
Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills to enable effective personal interaction and collaboration with a multi-disciplined team and customers
Proficiency in developing and executing tests and analyzing test results
Technical leadership experience in a dynamic program environment
Demonstrated success working with internal support organizations such as Global Supply Chain, Security, etc.
Demonstrated success building customer intimacy
Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.