Principal Systems Engineer - State Estimation and Target Tracking

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. We offer the opportunity to join a high-performing team solving problems and driving new solutions into next generation radar systems and air superiority platforms from development to production . Qualified candidates will apply strong systems engineering knowledge and understanding in the areas of target tracking, state estimation, and sensor fusion , working with various systems, hardware, and software teams. We encourage our engineers to be innovative with solving problems and identifying improvements. *This position requires up to 100% on-site work due security constraints and an ability to pass an enhanced security review. What You’ll get to Do: This position is primarily engaged in the development and fielding of target tracking and sensor fusion systems for advanced multi-function RF subsystems. Key features of operation include analyzing, shaping, and relating data from a wide variety of modes, such as: long-range search and track Radar waveforms and electronic surveillance measure returns. Early in the system lifecycle, Principal systems engineers develop parametric representations, visualizations and data driven analysis to support sensor requirements definition and use case validation. Progressing past analysis and design, Northrop Grumman Systems Engineers also support the integration of sensor modes and trackers from digital simulation environments to sensor labs to our on-site fleet of specially modified test aircraft. Throughout this process, our AMS Systems Engineers engage with our customers to balance their functional and performance requirements with other sensor functionality to enable true multi-function operation. Operates as a core individual contributor responsible for the sustained performance and minor adaptation of established algorithms and systems. Execute technical tasks under general supervision, focusing on maintaining existing functionalities and making incremental improvements within clearly defined boundaries. Ensures current systems meet performance objectives by leveraging existing documentation, such as defined Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Utilize foundational skills in MATLAB and C++ for basic analysis and code modifications. This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active DoD Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access prior to start. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. U.S Citizenship is required. A current / active DoD Secret Clearance. Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start Experience with multi-target tracking, adaptive processing, or sensor fusion algorithms Experience with MATLAB or equivalent programming/analysis languages Experience with RF signals processing or RF applications Experience with working knowledge of systems engineering principles and processes and effective communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: Active DoD Top Secret Clearance Master's Degree or PhD in a STEM discipline including electives in radar techniques and signal processing. Has been previously approved for special access programs. Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world. Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve. Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world. Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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