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# Principal Systems Engineer - Global Hawk LTC Integration

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Network Interface Controllers, Design of User Interfaces, Software Systems, Systems Integration, System-level Testing
- **Published:** September 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9142520/principal-systems-engineer-global-hawk-ltc-integration

## About the Role

* 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
 * Must have experience with hardware/software integration and system-level troubleshooting.
 * Must have the ability to read, interpret, and/or develop technical documentation such as ICDs, interface specifications, and test procedures.
 * Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)., * Experience with communications systems
 * Familiarity with RQ-4 or other UAS platforms
 * Experience with FMS customers
 * Experience with system integration labs (SILs), HWIL, or similar integration/test environments.

## Description

In this role, you will serve as a Long Term Communications (LTC) integrator on the RQ-4 FMS program. You'll focus on defining system and subsystem architectures, integrating complex hardware/software solutions, and supporting end-to-end system integration, verification, and validation activities. Additionally, you will work closely on-site in Rancho Bernardo with cross-functional engineering teams and external stakeholders. Your success in this position will require strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills., * Support defining system and subsystem functional architecture for LTC capabilities on the RQ-4 FMS program.

 * Support defining system and subsystem physical architecture, including allocation of functions to hardware and software components.
 * Perform end-to-end system integration, verification, and validation (IV&V) of complex software and hardware subsystems in support of LTC capabilities.
 * Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of issues discovered during integration activities and generate effective, documented solutions.
 * Conduct early and formal integration events and support system-level testing of fully integrated complex software and hardware subsystems.
 * Develop, update, and maintain internal and external Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Design Descriptions (IDDs) to ensure clear, controlled interfaces across systems and stakeholders.


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