Systems Engineer – Principal/Senior Principal

Northrop Grumman

Principal Systems Engineer developing and managing system requirements for aerospace technology at Northrop Grumman. Supporting integration and verification activities, leading interdisciplinary communication, and ensuring requirements alignment.

Posted 6/13/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $171,000 per yearWebsite

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

requirements developmentrequirements managementrequirements analysisverification planningvalidation planninginterface definitionsystems integrationtest activitiesrequirements verificationaerospace engineering

Soft Skills

communicationcoordinationproject managementteam alignment

Tools & Technologies

DOORSCAMEO

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelors of Science degreeMasters DegreePhDUS Government Secret clearanceSpecial Access Program clearance

Industry Keywords

military experienceprofessional experienceaerospacedefenseavionicsunmanned aerial systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support system requirements development, management, analysis, and traceability
Translate customer requirements and CONOPS into systems requirements
Perform requirements development, allocation, verification/validation planning and manage interface definition efforts
Support system/subsystems integration, test, and requirements verification activities
Support the preparation of system engineering materials during Program reviews as needed
Act as a central communication hub coordinating with program managers, project leads, and subsystem teams to maintain alignment across the project

Requirements

What you’ll need

At a Principal Level: Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience
At a Senior Principal Level: Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience
Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
Must have experience in systems engineering tools, such as DOORS, CAMEO
Must have experience in aerospace/defense level avionics and unmanned aerial systems

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions