Principal/Senior Principal Engineer – Survivability, Surface Details

Northrop Grumman

. Lead a diverse portfolio of research and technology development activities .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $108,200 - $234,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in applied electromagnetics and aircraft survivability, with a strong focus on Radar Cross Section (RCS) design, analysis, and testing. Proficient in developing and integrating advanced technologies to enhance aircraft detectability reduction and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Applied ElectromagneticsRadar Cross Section (RCS) DesignProgramming in C++, MATLAB, PythonU.S. Government Security ClearanceCAD Software (CATIA, Unigraphics, NX)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electromagnetic Spectrum AnalysisPredictive Analysis Code DevelopmentModeling and Testing Physical ModelsSpecialty Materials IntegrationTechnology Integration Optimization

Tools & Technologies

CAE Tools (FMS, Patran, Cubit)3D Method of Moments (MoM)3D Physical Optics (PO) Codes (Xpatch)RCS Data Processing Tools (Knowbell, Saber, Pioneer)

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in STEMMaster’s Degree in STEMPhD in STEMU.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret)

Industry Keywords

Aircraft SurvivabilityTechnology DevelopmentMultidisciplinary Team LeadershipElectromagnetic Energy TransmissionSignature Integration

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a diverse portfolio of research and technology development activities
Lead a multidisciplinary team to determine how survivability technologies can be integrated into air-based systems within the NGAS portfolio
Model surface details and assess implications of surface features on Radar Cross Section (RCS)
Develop and integrate advanced technology to reduce aircraft detectability in the electromagnetic spectrum
Develop and implement predictive analysis codes
Build and test physical models
Design, develop, and build test and verification equipment
Develop, test, and integrate specialty materials
Collaborate with engineers from other disciplines to optimize technology integration on existing and future aircraft

Requirements

What you’ll need

Principal Engineer (LV3): Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience
Senior Principal Engineer (LV4): Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience
Experience with applied electromagnetics and/or aircraft survivability, or comprehensive understanding of electromagnetic energy transmission through space and within materials
A current active U.S. Government in-scope Secret Security Clearance or higher required to start
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP)
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions
Preferred: experience in signature integration, RCS design, analysis, and testing
Preferred: experience with CAD software such as CATIA, Unigraphics, or NX
Preferred: ability to use CAE and/or FEA tools such as FMS, Patran, or Cubit
Preferred: experience with 3D Method of Moments (MoM), such as SENTRi, and 3D Physical Optics (PO) codes, such as Xpatch
Preferred: programming experience in C++, MATLAB, Python, or other highly technical languages
Preferred: knowledge of RCS data processing tools such as Knowbell, Saber, or Pioneer
Preferred: active U.S. Government-issued Top Secret Security Clearance and/or previous SAP/SAR clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime may be available depending on the position
Shift differential may be available depending on the position
Discretionary bonus may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business