> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3352708-systems-engineer-level-3-4](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3352708-systems-engineer-level-3-4). 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). --- # Systems Engineer (Level 3/4) - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, SAP (Applications), Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, SC Clearance - **Published:** September 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9171836/systems-engineer-level-34 ## About the Role Applicable at a Principal Engineer Level (level 3): * Must have a Bachelors 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. Applicable at a Senior Principal Engineer Level (level 4): * Must have a Bachelors 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. Applicable at Both Levels: * Must have the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs., * An active U.S. government Secret clearance or higher (with background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Knowledge of DOORS for requirement management. * Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills. * Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders. * Experience with requirement verification. ## Description * Performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems. * Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. * Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints. * Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detailed trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications. This role may be filled at either an Engineer (Level 3) or Principal Engineer (Level 4) level. ## Related Videos - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Independently together: how micro-applications improve developer experience + app performance](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/452-independently-together-how-micro-applications-improve-developer-experience-app-performance) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) - [One Pipeline, Three Regulator - SBOM Compliance for the Developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100169-one-pipeline-three-regulator-sbom-compliance-for-the-developer) - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) ## Related Articles - [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) - [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) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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