Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Rolling Meadows, IL

5d•$135,800 - $203,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer to join our team. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making. System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location. This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Requirements

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 8 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 4 years of related experience
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools (i.e. descriptive modeling, SysML, etc.)
Candidate must be a US Citizen
Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance as necessary

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, RFEW systems, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints
Demonstrated proficiency managing interfaces for complex systems (e.g. authoring or updating Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Interface Design Documents (IDDs))
Hands‑on experience with MATLAB/Python
Proficiency with RF‑CAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS
Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGA‑based RF prototyping
Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
Hands‑on experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming
Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases
Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

Coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured.
Work with subject matter experts to decompose requirements.
Support trade studies of technical challenges.
Guide system design decision-making.
Use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools.
Generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS.