Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Rolling Meadows, IL

60d•$108,800 - $203,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer to join their 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 their 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. This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.

Requirements

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year of related experience (for Principal Systems Design Engineer)
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 (for Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer)
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
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
Candidate must be a US Citizen
Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints
Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
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
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.