Principal Space Communications Systems Engineer

Engineering | Redondo Beach California, United States

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Communications Systems Engineer to work in Redondo Beach, California. The role requires, at minimum, Top Secret (TS) clearance and the ability and willingness to obtain Special Access (SCI) clearance. Relocation assistance may be available; travel is required approximately 10% of the time.

• 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 unit and sub‑unit levels.
• Perform Internal Design Review planning, development, and presentations.
• Perform unit verification planning.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience.
• Or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with at least 3 years of engineering experience.
• Or PhD in Electrical Engineering with at least 1 year of engineering experience.
• Practical working experience with system architecture design, trade studies, and performance analysis and simulation.
• Technical experience supporting hardware development utilizing antenna, RF, digital, and microelectronic technologies.
• Strong communication systems and link analysis skills, including signal analysis in frequency and time domains, RF/digital hardware systems engineering, antenna principles, and hardware specification analysis (e.g., VSWR, gain, noise figure).
• Experience modeling system performance parameters to estimate performance.
• Systems engineering experience with requirement allocation and management, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) or IBM Rational DOORS, development of standards and processes, and project lifecycle understanding.
• Active Top Secret clearance and ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at the time of application.

• Completed coursework in Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, and Networking.
• Network engineering fundamentals: TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), standard protocols (FTP, SSH), and wireless technologies.
• Experience configuring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
• Proficiency with monitoring tools like Wireshark.
• Experience with baseband and digital signal processing, waveform design, and network design.
• Strong leadership qualities and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience developing and testing requirements using core systems engineering principles.
• Active TS with SCI clearance.

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Educational assistance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedules (e.g., 9/80 work schedule)

Primary Level Salary Range: $ – $. The range is a general guideline; additional factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions are considered.

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, visit  U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Curious about the exciting developments in the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Visit