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# Principal CAL Systems Engineer / Senior Principal CAL Systems Engineer

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Baltimore, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $108,800.0 - $163,200.0
- **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:** October 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.baltimorejobsite.com/job.asp?id=3468117198&tx=HT8478THD&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be
 * 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++., * Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 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 may comprise developing calibration algorithms, 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.

Roles and Responsibilities:

 * 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.