Prinicipal OR Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

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. Please note that this opportunity is contingent upon program funding. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal OR Sr Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications) to our team either in Rancho Bernardo, CA or Palmdale, CA. The candidate should be familiar with working in an Integrated Product Team construct. The selected candidate will provide key engineering support for a communications payloads subsystem and will report directly to the subsystem engineering technical lead and program manager. Roles and Responsibilities will include: Coordinating communication subsystem technical requirements to supplier management team Managing suppliers to assess new technology and its viability to meet program requirements Conducting thorough trade studies and analyses to weigh the benefits and/or detriments of new communication hardware and software Collaborating with program management to build program schedules, assess risks and issues, and deliver technical recommendations to relevant stakeholders Addressing and correcting deliverable subsystem performance concerns via program identified tools/systems Identifying opportunities for deliverable system improvement and working with engineering teams to implement in accordance with approved program process Reporting comms subsystem status to programmatic and technical team leadership and identifying risks/issues/concerns in order to prevent increased cost or schedule loss Providing direct user support, engineering expertise, and troubleshooting during test events 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. This position may be filled at either the Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications) level or the Senior Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications) level, depending upon the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications for Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications) Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience. Demonstrated experience in communications and network system integration Demonstrated experience with RF and network-based test equipment to include oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and power meters Demonstrated experience with technical development and systems integration Experience with managing suppliers Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications) Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant 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 experience in communications and network system integration Demonstrated experience with RF and network-based test equipment to include oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and power meters Demonstrated experience with technical development and systems integration Experience with managing suppliers Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Preferred Qualifications for both levels: Current applicable Special Access Program access Experience leading cross-discipline teams Experience serving as a proposal estimator Experience in technical writing such as tech volumes & white papers Network training/certifications (Network, Security, CCNA, etc.) Experience with Network Encryption Devices (INE, HAIPE. etc.) Familiarity with common industry standards related to communications and network-based systems, such as MIL-STD-1553, RS-232/422, Ethernet (IPv4/IPv6) 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Mission Viejo , Prinicipal OR Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer (Communications), Engineering , San Diego, California