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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff CAL Systems Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Baltimore, MD, United States - **Salary:** $169,000.0 - $253,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Algorithm Design, Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Code Generation, Code Review, Signals Intelligence, Computer Programming, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, SAP (Applications), Software Engineering, Data Streaming, Systems Integration, Scripting, Software Verification, SC Clearance - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9155210/staff-cal-systems-engineer ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, Master's degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 years 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 with MATLAB for data analysis and/or algorithm development. * Domain experience in sensor simulations for RF sensors. * Experience with integration and test of RADAR, SIGINT, or EW systems. * Experience programming in C/C++. Preferred Qualifications * Advanced degree in a STEM or related technical field. * Experience with Python for data analysis, test automation, or algorithm prototyping. * Demonstrated experience with calibration modes, requirements verification, algorithm development, or system integration for RF or sensor systems. * Active DoD Top Secret clearance or higher. ## Description This role focuses on taking established Cal modes that have not been fully vetted, then driving them to operational readiness and full requirements verification. * Take existing Cal modes and systematically vet, test, and mature them for operational use. * Partner with other mode teams to incorporate and tailor Cal modes that support their specific performance needs. * Analyze Cal performance, identify deficiencies or edge cases, and define updates to tactical code for correction and optimization. * Provide clear technical guidance to a software engineering team that will implement fixes and enhancements in the tactical code base. * Tie Cal mode design, test results, and analysis artifacts directly to requirements verification, ensuring full traceability from requirements through implementation and test. * Support system integration & test (I&T), focusing on calibration behavior in integrated environments and helping close performance verification for sensor modes. Cal Algorithm Development & Tactical SW Support Engineer This role focuses on the "other side of the V," developing calibration algorithms and supporting software engineers through tactical code generation and implementation. * Develop, refine, and document calibration algorithms that compensate for hardware and system-level errors in RF sensors. * Use modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) to design and evaluate Cal algorithms against system performance requirements. * Define algorithm interfaces, data flows, and constraints to enable robust embedded/tactical implementations. * Collaborate closely with software engineering teams to translate Cal algorithms into tactical code (primarily C/C++, with supporting MATLAB/Python scripts), providing ongoing technical direction and clarification. * Participate in code reviews and integration activities to ensure that the tactical implementation correctly reflects algorithm intent and performance assumptions. * Support lab and field testing to validate algorithm behavior and confirm that implemented Cal modes meet performance and stability requirements. As a Staff BIT/CAL Systems Engineer, regardless of role focus, you will: * Confirm that calibrations correctly capture and compensate for hardware and system errors so that sensor performance levels meet or exceed requirements. * Derive and refine BIT and calibration requirements from system-level performance objectives and concepts of operation. * Design and evolve calibration and diagnostic modes, including how they are invoked, executed, monitored, and maintained across the system lifecycle. * Assess the effectiveness of modeling and simulations supporting BIT/Cal performance, and use results to improve calibration strategies and test approaches. * Develop an in-depth understanding of sensor hardware capabilities and limitations to inform calibration design and integration decisions. * Verify embedded implementations of BIT and Cal modes, ensuring they align with requirements and modeling assumptions. * Produce publication-quality technical documentation, including Cal concepts, test plans, procedures, and verification evidence. * Support factory test, system integration & test, and field support activities with a focus on calibration behavior and system performance closure ## Related Videos - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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