Principal​/Senior Principal Systems Engineer Signals Processing

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems in Sacramento, California is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer or Senior Principal Systems Engineer with a signal processing background. The role involves developing transformative signal‑processing solutions for Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and contributing to national security initiatives.

• Perform architecture trades, design analysis, and performance modeling.
• Provide engineering support for hardware development efforts.
• Design, implement, and test detection and characterization algorithms for radio‑frequency communication signals.
• Test signal‑processing algorithms and receivers in laboratory environments.
• Produce algorithms for detection, characterization, and geolocation.
• Support deployment of core products on new platforms such as manned aircraft, drones, and ships.

• BS in STEM with 5 years of relevant experience, or MS with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year.
• Understanding of tactical SIGINT operations, military capabilities, and geolocation concepts.
• Ability to translate operational needs into technical system requirements.
• Proficiency in DSP fundamentals: modulation/demodulation, FFT/spectral analysis, filtering (FIR/IIR), resampling, channelization, and detection/estimation theory.
• Experience with SDR, RF front‑ends, IQ data, geolocation techniques (DF/beamforming), and signal characterization.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• BS in STEM with 8 years of relevant experience, or MS with 6 years, or PhD with 3 years.
• Understanding of tactical SIGINT operations, military capabilities, and geolocation concepts.
• Ability to translate operational needs into technical system requirements.
• Proficiency in DSP fundamentals: modulation/demodulation, FFT/spectral analysis, filtering (FIR/IIR), resampling, channelization, and detection/estimation theory.
• Experience with SDR, RF front‑ends, IQ data, geolocation techniques (DF/beamforming), and signal characterization.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Experience with Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket).
• Programming skills in C++, Rust, or Python.
• Experience simulating and processing RF communications in GNU Radio.
• Agile/Dev Ops experience; containerization tools such as Docker or Kubernetes.
• GPU acceleration experience with CUDA.
• Active TS with SCI clearance.

• Health plan, savings plan, paid time off, education assistance, training and development.
• 9/80 work schedule where available.
• Additional benefits such as life and disability insurance, company‑paid holidays, and discretionary bonuses.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.