Principal / Sr Principal Engineer Systems Modeling Simulation
Northrop Grumman Systems
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San Diego, CA · Posted November 3, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 Aerospace Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal or Principal Engineer Systems Modeling and Simulation , to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be full time in the office and located in San Diego, CA (preferred) or Palmdale, CA.
Successful candidates will be ready to analyze current inventory effectiveness using statistical analysis, account for various changing configurations, and apply probability-based analytics to optimize recommendations and maximize positive impacts to key performance indicators. Previous experience in aviation and defense programs, familiarity with Monte Carlo simulations, and aptitude for project management and communication are critical skills for this position.
Key Responsibilities:
Key aspects include organization and self-drive to gather required information, work with stakeholders, and provide analyses and presentations regarding:
Developing new and/or integrate existing system simulation frameworks, performance models and algorithms, threat models, and command and control models.
Simulate real-time operation and develop software/models that represent projected behavior of systems.
Develop, integrate, and use advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools.
Model operational environments, perform trade studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.
Perform operational analysis and mission effectiveness analysis.
Develop and integrate mission concept development, Level of Repair Analysis (LORA), spares sensitivity, Operations and Support (O&S) cost analyses / ROI, and model-based system engineering.
Develop and adapt existing models, methods, and simulations to support the design, development, and sustainment of system design concepts and technologies.
We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
*This Position may be offered at the Principal or Sr Principal Level*
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer:
Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 5 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline and 3 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR PhD in a (STEM) discipline and 1 year of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment.
Experience in statistical modeling.
Advanced proficiency with MS Excel (extensive formula calculations, pivot tables/charts, macros, etc.)
Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation), With ability to Obtain Top Secret Clearance.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Willing and able to travel up to 25%.
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer:
Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 8 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline and 6 years of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment; OR PhD in a (STEM) discipline and 4 year of statistical analysis, data analysis, or system modeling experience in a professional environment.
Experience in statistical modeling.
Advanced proficiency with MS Excel (extensive formula calculations, pivot tables/charts, macros, etc.)
Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation), With ability to Obtain Top Secret Clearance.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Willing and able to travel up to 25%.
Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:
Current active in-scope US Government Top Secret Clearance with Special Program Access.
Previous project management experience.
Experience with Tempo, VMetric, or EDCAS in a professional environment.
Experience with MAAF or LCOM.
Experience with data mining techniques.
Relevant experience in adjacent logistics support elements such as Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) & Maintenance Planning, Modeling & Simulation (ModSim), Support Equipment Engineering (SEE), Prognostics & Health Management (PHM), Supportable Low Observables (SLO), Obsolescence Management, Training & Training Systems, Technical Data, Support Hardware, Fleet & Field Support, and Product Support Management.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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.