> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1154640-principal-systems-algorithm-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1154640-principal-systems-algorithm-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Systems Algorithm Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Dundalk, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $135,800.0 - $203,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, SAP (Applications), SC Clearance - **Published:** July 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/apply/ats-redirect/?id=2851564561-2 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. * U.S Citizenship is required. * A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance * Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) * Experience leading junior and/or peer team members * Experience in technical computing languages, e.g. Python or MATLAB * Experience with airborne and/or space-based EOIR sensors * Experience with the understanding of Physics-based detection methods for various phenomenologies Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced degree in STEM * Experience writing technical proposals * Experience acting as principal investigator of team lead for R&D programs * Experience developing and executing internal research and development projects * Current Top Secret clearance, SAP access(es), and/or SCI access * Strong communication skills, both for internal and external audiences ## Description As a technical lead, you will guide a diverse team of physicists, signal processing engineers, and AI/ML engineers in developing novel EOIR sensor capabilities and evaluating the performance of these techniques. You will also perform direct technical work to advance the needs for the group. You will develop concepts for novel EO/IR sensors and develop cutting-edge algorithms to meet emerging mission needs. You will analyze data collected from some of the most advanced sensors ever fielded and generate representative synthetic data using high-fidelity, physics-based models. A strong candidate for this role has experience in airborne and/or space-based EOIR sensors, experience developing and implementing algorithms, and experience leading teams to successful program execution. Roles and Responsibilities: * In coordination with the algorithm architect, lead technical execution of R&D programs * Mentor and develop junior team members * Develop, integrate, test, and deploy novel EOIR-centric algorithms * Develop and quantify performance metrics for system performance * Understand data quality and artifact impacts * Represent system performance in functional and analytical models ## Related Videos - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data) - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)