Principal/Sr. Principal RF Electronics Engineer

Northrop Grumman • Cincinnati, OH

3d • $103,600 - $193,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Cincinnati (Xetron), part of the Mission Systems sector, is seeking a cleared or clearable Principal or Sr. Principal RF Electrical Engineer to join its Engineering Group onsite in Cincinnati, Ohio. The role supports development of advanced RF communications capabilities for U.S. government and intelligence customers, addressing complex technical challenges on mission-focused programs.

The RF Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains RF systems, antennas, and communications equipment supporting government missions and operations. The role applies RF engineering principles to develop new systems, modify existing systems, and troubleshoot RF issues while ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry standards. Work includes RF analysis, simulation, and testing to validate designs; integration with electrical, mechanical, and software engineering disciplines; and preparation and maintenance of design specifications, technical reports, and test plans. The engineer also provides technical support and guidance to junior engineers and other team members. The position may be filled at either the Principal or Sr. Principal level.

Requirements

• Principal: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or another STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience; alternatively, a master’s degree and 3 years’ experience, or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
• Sr. Principal: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or another STEM discipline and 8 years of relevant experience; alternatively, a master’s degree and 6 years’ experience, or a PhD and 3 years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance.
• Basic knowledge and experience in digital and RF circuit design.
• Experience and knowledge using and reading engineering drawings.
• Experience presenting engineering findings orally and in written technical reports and presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in RF Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university.
• Proven experience designing RF receivers and transmitters across L-, S-, C-, K-, Ka-, and V-bands, including V-band down conversion and S-band/V-band receiver architectures.
• Expertise in power amplifier design for the specified frequency bands.
• Strong background in filter definition and implementation.
• Experience with RF hardware design, testing, and analysis using computer-aided design (CAD).
• Proficiency in RF link analysis and link budgets, including noise modeling and degradation effects.
• Experience with high-data-rate systems, including APSK modulation and associated impairments.
• Familiarity with space RF link standards and practices, including ITU and CCSDS.
• Hands-on experience interfacing with antennas and performing antenna characterization.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment and related test methodologies.
• Experience with RF printed wiring board (PWB/PCB) layout and microwave design best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain RF systems, antennas, and communications equipment.
• Apply RF engineering principles to develop new systems and modify existing systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF issues while ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry standards.
• Perform RF analysis, simulations, and testing to validate designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate RF systems with electrical, mechanical, and software engineering disciplines.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, technical reports, and test plans.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and other team members.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior