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# Principal Systems Algorithm Engineer

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Baltimore, MD, United States
- **Salary:** $108,800.0 - $163,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Design, Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, SAP (Applications), Signal Processing, SC Clearance
- **Published:** June 25, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8996280/principal-systems-algorithm-engineer

## 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 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 in technical computing languages, e.g. Python or MATLAB
 * Experience with airborne and/or space-based EOIR sensors
 * Experience with the understanding of Physics-based detection methods for various phenomenologies

Preferred Qualifications:

 * Advanced degree in STEM
 * Experience writing technical proposals
 * Developing and executing internal research and development projects
 * Current Top-Secret clearance, SAP access(es), and/or SCI access
 * Strong communication skills, both for internal and external audiences

## Description

The Advanced EOIR team anticipates a near-term need for a Principal Systems Engineer to work as an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) team member to perform concept and algorithm development work related to advanced EO/IR sensing. As a member of this team, you will work on sensor modeling, signal/image processing, and AI/ML algorithm development. The team is focused on researching solutions for emerging sensors and mission areas and has a need for more staff to support the growing range of programs supported. Come join us for this 100% on-site position from Linthicum, MD!

What You'll Get To Do:

In this role, you will work with a diverse team of physicists, signal processing engineers, and AI/ML engineers to develop novel EOIR sensor capabilities and evaluate the performance of these techniques. You will develop concepts for novel EO/IR sensors and develop cutting-edge algorithms to meet emerging mission needs. You will analyze data collected from some of the most advanced sensors ever fielded and generate representative synthetic data using high-fidelity, physics-based models.

A strong candidate for this role has experience in airborne and/or space-based EOIR sensors, experience developing and implementing algorithms, and experience leading teams to successful program execution.

Roles and Responsibilities:

 * Develop, integrate, test, and deploy novel EOIR-centric algorithms
 * Build and maintain physics-based sensor models
 * Develop and quantify performance metrics for system performance
 * Understand data quality and artifact impacts
 * Represent system performance in functional and analytical models
 * In coordination with the algorithm architect, lead technical execution of R&D programs


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