Principal Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman Systems
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San Diego, CA · Posted October 19, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.
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 is seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to join our Product Support Analytics and Innovation team.
This position is located on-site at our facility in San Diego, CA or Melbourne, FL.
This role combines Product Support Engineering with large‑scale Data Science to drive informed design decisions, improve system readiness, drive process efficiencies, and enable predictive support solutions.
The selected candidate will act as the primary bridge between data scientists, algorithm developers, product support engineers, and management to translate analytical insights into actionable supportability requirements and vice‑versa. Similarly, the selected candidate will support the verification and validation of the analytical insights as well.
The job requires the selected candidate to:
Collaborate with integrated technical teams, program management, customers, and suppliers, to align sector supportability goals with the Data Science organization.
Influence high‑level decisions by delivering logistics‑focused risk assessments and trade studies.
Recommend enhancements to existing logistics support elements (R&M, LSA, PHM, etc.), reduce lifecycle costs, and enhance system availability.
Prepare and deliver concise presentations, executive briefings, and technical reports for senior leadership, external partners, and cross‑functional teams
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Engineer:
Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, OR Masters degree in a STEM discipline, with 3 years of related engineering experience.
Previous experience with Systems Engineering Verification and Validation processes for complex analyses, to include, but not limited to, diagnostics, failures, and machine learning.
Your ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company
Preferred Qualifications:
Active DoD Top Secret, and relevant SAP/SCI clearances
Relevant experience in all logistics support elements, such as Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) Engineering, Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) & Maintenance Planning, Modeling & Simulation (ModSim), Support Equipment Engineering (SEE), Prognostics & Health Management (PHM), Supportable Low Observables (SLO), Obsolescence Management (DMSMS), Training & Training Systems, Technical Data, Support Hardware, Fleet & Field Support, and/or Product Support Management (PSM).
Familiarity with Python ecosystems (NumPy, Pandas, scikit‑learn, PyTorch), SQL, Git, Docker, and data‑visualization libraries (Matplotlib, Plotly, PowerBI or Tableau).
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $171,000.00
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.