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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - IPT... - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Systems Engineering, Cisco Routers, Signals Intelligence, Communications Protocols, SolidWorks (CAD), Linux, Ethernet, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Network Planning and Design, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) - **Published:** July 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/00000000gjdmpd ## About the Role We are looking for a cleared, uniquely qualified mission oriented, individual with background and hands-on experience with electronics, RF Engineering, Electronic System design, integration, and maintenance, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), or Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. You will be part of a highly dynamic program team that provides both engineering and field technical support services to a DoD customer. The ideal candidate will be comfortable providing proactive leadership on engineering initiatives, owning technical solutions from concept through delivery. You will be expected to perform both independently and as part of a fast-moving team to design, document, build, test, troubleshoot and repair electronic or radio products as required by the customer and the program. Furthermore, in this role as the IPT Lead Sr. Principal Systems Engineer, you will partner with the Chief Engineer to develop and maintain project schedules, track milestones, and coordinate resources across multidisciplinary teams. This will include leading technical briefings and reviews with DoD customers, translating complex RF/SIGINT/EW concepts into clear, actionable information. You will also be looked to mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative environment focused on high-quality documentation and rigorous analysis. Practical hands-on experience with electronic/electrical/RF design tools, software, test/measurement devices, and troubleshooting/repair skills are a must. Most designed products will be for airborne applications and must meet or exceed technical requirements for manned or unmanned aircraft operations. The engineer will design and deliver highly technical professional implementation of NGMS products, as well as customer furnished equipment (CFE), to solve customer problems with a focus toward real-time mission support. Support will include field testing of selected equipment and software. The engineer must be able to work with minimal supervision and support. The position requires excellent oral and written communications skills; strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and proficiency with various types of test equipment and design/diagnostic software packages. Candidates must be able to communicate concisely and effectively with all levels of program personnel and customers using verbal and/or written communications. Candidates will author, distribute and maintain formal and informal reports on all activities. Candidates must be highly motivated, self-starters with excellent teamwork and communications skills. Candidates must always maintain a highly professional demeanor and a positive mental attitude. The program can be a high pressure, no-fail, highly dynamic, rapidly changing, and challenging work environment. Travel is estimated at 10% to CONUS locations as required. Candidates must be willing to work extended hours, nights and weekends during mission critical time periods. Position is located in Chantilly, VA. Basic qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer / IPT Lead include: + Must have a minimum Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline. + 5 years of experience with Bachelors in Science; 3 years of experience with Masters; 1 year of experience with PhD + US citizenship is required with the ability and willingness to obtain a government Security clearance + Demonstrated experience in systems engineering across the lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, and test). + Design and development of electronic systems and/or software + Solid understanding of RF theory and antenna design + Solid understanding of serial and Ethernet communication protocols + Knowledge of software radio, digital signal processing, embedded electronic systems + Experience with INS and GPS concepts + Experience with Windows and Linux OS + Develop SE artifacts such as CONOPS, ICDs (with detailed electrical and signal interfaces), verification cross reference matrices, and system-level documentation + Identify, manage, and communicate technical risks and opportunities, including development of mitigation plans, particularly around electrical performance, EMI/EMC, and power margins + Support program management with estimates to complete (ETC), basis of estimates (BOEs), schedule inputs, and cost/schedule performance + Interface with customers and internal leadership, presenting technical status, plans, and issues in a clear and concise manner + Mentor and guide junior engineers in systems and electrical engineering best practices and processes Basic qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer / IPT Lead include: + Must have a minimum Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline. + 8 years of experience with Bachelors in Science; 6 years of experience with Masters; 4 years of experience with PhD + US citizenship is required with the ability and willingness to obtain a government Security clearance + Demonstrated experience in systems engineering across the lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, and test). + Design and development of electronic systems and/or software + Solid understanding of RF theory and antenna design + Solid understanding of serial and Ethernet communication protocols + Knowledge of software radio, digital signal processing, embedded electronic systems + Experience with INS and GPS concepts + Experience with Windows and Linux OS + Develop SE artifacts such as CONOPS, ICDs (with detailed electrical and signal interfaces), verification cross reference matrices, and system-level documentation + Identify, manage, and communicate technical risks and opportunities, including development of mitigation plans, particularly around electrical performance, EMI/EMC, and power margins + Support program management with estimates to complete (ETC), basis of estimates (BOEs), schedule inputs, and cost/schedule performance + Interface with customers and internal leadership, presenting technical status, plans, and issues in a clear and concise manner + Mentor and guide junior engineers in systems and electrical engineering best practices and processes Preferred Qualifications Include: + Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance + Experience in EW and/or SIGINT systems integration + Experience with network design and architecture + Technical knowledge of modern communications signal sets + Experience with Digital Signal Processing design / integration + Experience with CISCO routers, switches and software + Experience of TCP/IP networking over satellite communications + Experience with UAV and/or manned ISR/SIGINT/EW payload design and integration + Experience performing OCONUS/CONUS mission maintenance field support + Knowledge of DoD IA requirements + Knowledge of 3-D Mechanical and Thermal design (SolidWorks) ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Engineering/Manager Pendulum: Generating compound interest on your career](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100348-engineering-manager-pendulum-generating-compound-interest-on-your-career) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Your next 10x engineer isn't in your city. Refactor accordingly.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100103-your-next-10x-engineer-isn-t-in-your-city-refactor-accordingly) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [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) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know)