Sr. Principal Space Communications Systems Engineer

Job Overview

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Communications Systems Engineer to work in Redondo Beach, California. This role requires, at minimum, TS clearance and the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance. SCI clearance is preferred and will be needed for the duration of the role. The position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding.

Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

• Perform architecture trades, design analysis, and performance modeling.
• Provide systems engineering technical support for hardware development efforts.
• Perform trade studies, specification development, requirements definition and allocation to the unit and sub‑unit levels.
• Perform Internal Design Review planning, development, and presentations.
• Perform unit verification planning.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering discipline and 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering discipline with 6 years of engineering experience OR PhD in Electrical Engineering and 4 years of engineering experience.
• Practical working experience with system architecture design, trade studies, and performance analysis and simulation.
• Technical experience with supporting hardware development utilizing antenna, RF, digital, and microelectronic technologies.
• Strong Communication Systems and Link Analysis:
  Signal Analysis via frequency domain and time domain, experience in RF and/or digital hardware systems engineering, familiarity with antenna principles, familiarity analyzing hardware specifications (e.g., VSWR, Gain, Noise Figure, etc.).
• Experience analyzing system performance, modeling performance parameters to estimate performance.
• Systems Engineering:
  Requirement allocation and management, working knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or prior experience with IBM Rational DOORS, knowledge of developing standards and processes, project lifecycle understanding.
• Active Top Secret Clearance and the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application.

• Completed specialty or relevant coursework in Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, and Networking.
• Network Engineering Fundamentals:
  Understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), and standard communication protocols (FTP, SSH, etc.) and wireless technologies.
• Experience configuring and managing network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
• Ability to work with monitoring tools like Wireshark.
• Experience with baseband and digital signal processing, waveform design, and network design.
• Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with developing requirements and testing requirements using core systems engineering principles.
• Active TS with SCI clearance.

Relocation assistance may be available. Travel:
Yes, 10% of the time. Clearance type: SCI (required).

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision coverage, 401(k), Educational Assistance, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions, Paid Time Off, Health & Wellness Resources, Employee Discounts, Flexible Schedules, and more. The primary level salary range is $ – $, with potential for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and long‑term incentives for VP or Director positions.

The application period is approximately 20 days from posting date.

For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit the Total Rewards site:
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards. For more information about our space sector, visit

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit our EEO statement. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.