Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer/Sr. Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Enginee

Northrop Grumman
El Segundo, CA
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. 

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Principal RF Payload Integration & Tes t Engineer/Sr. Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer​ to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

**This position may be filled by either at the Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer level OR at the Sr. Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer level based on the qualifications listed.**

The Research and Advanced Design (RAD) within Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer to join the organization. This organization is pioneering and integrating commercial technologies and enhancing them to address operational military use cases, i.e., dual use technologies. These technologies include 5G/NextG communications, machine learning, cybersecurity, and future wireless technologies. This role will be responsible for working within a team to execute experiments and exercises for the program, which consists of 5G customized antenna, radio, and network systems, on Airborne, Surface, and Ground Platforms.

Essential Functions:

  • Contribute to and participate in regular rhythm meetings with stakeholders to communicate overall test planning, system prototype integration, test execution, supportability, and logistics.

  • Contribute to the develop of payload and platform specific integration and test plan/procedure supporting the mission relevant risk reduction test and experiments.

  • Contribute to system prototype integration into on-site test infrastructure, compatibility analyses with existing platform/payload, resolution of technical challenges related to hardware, software, or interface requirements.

  • Contribute to and participate in customer working groups and post-test debriefs, e.g., Informal Test Readiness Review (iTRR), Test Planning Working Group, Joint Warfighter Working Group, etc.

  • Contribute to the implementation and execution of the integration and test plan and deliver test reports.

  • Develop and present products for major program reviews and activities.

  • Collaborate with a geographically dispersed cross-discipline team of engineers and industry partners.

Basic Qualifications:

Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer (T03)

  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 5 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 3 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.

  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

  • Experience testing RF, antenna, radio, and cable measurement/VSWR in both laboratory and testing site environments.

  • Demonstrated experience in establishing detail test plan/procedures (such as developing test cases and/or scenarios and execution of tests) on prototype hardware and software within the Unit and Subsystem level of assembly.

  • Ability to work with challenging and continuously changing schedules and tasks with little technical direction.

Basic Qualifications:

Sr. Principal RF Payload Integration & Test Engineer​(T04)

  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.

  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

  • Experience testing RF, antenna, radio, and cable measurement/VSWR in both laboratory and testing site environments.

  • Demonstrated experience in establishing detail test plan/procedures (such as developing test cases and/or scenarios and execution of tests) on prototype hardware and software within the Unit and Subsystem level of assembly.

  • Ability to work with challenging and continuously changing schedules and tasks with little technical direction.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to work independently and manage tasks to ensure the primary objectives of the team and program are met.

  • Strong organizational and planning skills

  • Prior R&D experience within varying environments (lab, field work, customer sites, etc.)

  • Integration and test experience to include developing the detailed Integration Flow, identifying required facilities, coordinating development and procurement of test equipment, ground equipment, and data instrumentation, identifying and planning required personnel for execution.

  • Experience working within an Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) program to include initial planning, development, execution through to delivery of a complete system(s).

  • Experience trouble shooting, failure investigation, and resolution during platform/payload integration and testing event(s).

  • Strong working experience with government personnel to support the platform testing on-site.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Posted 2025-12-25

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