Sr. Principal/Principal (RF) Radio Frequency Engineer Test

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautical Systems Sector is currently seeking a motivated Principal/Sr. Principal RF Test Engineer to join our test team in San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo). We provide test services in our compact range in support of national security for our DoD customers.

Role description & Responsibilities

The RF Test Engineer will have a solid foundation in electronics and RF circuit testing, tuning, and assembly. RF and microwave testing will require familiarity with RF wave propagation, antenna measurements, instrumentation radar measurements (RCS and Antenna), network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, and power meter measurements. 

Basic Qualification:

Principal Engineer Test:

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance prior to start.
• Bachelor’s degree in electronics/electrical engineering or equivalent STEM Degree
• Education and experience 5 Years with BS; 3 Years with Masters; 0 Years with PhD
• Experience in the setup and performance of calibrated antenna pattern and gain measurements with ability to analyze collected data
• Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing within a compact range
• Compact and Far Field range uncertainty analysis and error source reduction
• Experience in RCS Range Certification
• Proficient in reading, writing  and interpret written instructions in English
• RCS data reduction and calibration with analysis using single down range 2D target exploitation, 2D intensity imaging, IER, and zero Doppler techniques
• Knowledge and use of a broad band pulsed CW coherent, wide video bandwidth, instrumentation radar, and ability to troubleshoot and repair radar problems
• Perform RCS measurements using high-speed, broadband pulsed-IF radar system
• Strong understanding of positioner systems used in RCS and antenna measurements
• Experience using RCS data processing software such as Knowbell, CompuQuest, Pioneer, Saber and Matlab
• Experience in test matrix development utilizing full implementation of the Nyquist criteria against target and test scene dimensions for both SAR and ISAR data collection techniques
• Familiarity with electrical properties of materials and test techniques for same
• Strong math, science, and programming skills
• Ability to interface with customers directly, write technical proposals and test reports
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) to document results
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program clearances
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repetitively during the workday
• Ability to stand on feet for prolonged periods
• Ability to routinely and repetitively climb vertical ladder

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Understands mechanical drawings and electronic schematics
• Analytical techniques of range debugging a plus
• Test body development for RCS measurements a plus
• Good documentation, organization and communication skills
• Demonstrates initiative, self-starter, adaptable, and highly motivated for excellence
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement with a focus on customer service
• Ability to work within a small team environment

Sr. Principal Engineer Test:

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance prior to start.
• Bachelor’s degree in electronics/electrical engineering or equivalent STEM Degree
• Education and Experience 9 Years with BS; 7 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
• Experience in the setup and performance of calibrated antenna pattern and gain measurements with ability to analyze collected data
• Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing within a compact range
• Compact and Far Field range uncertainty analysis and error source reduction
• Experience in RCS Range Certification
• Proficient in reading, writing  and interpret written instructions in English
• RCS data reduction and calibration with analysis using single down range 2D target exploitation, 2D intensity imaging, IER, and zero Doppler techniques
• Knowledge and use of a broad band pulsed CW coherent, wide video bandwidth, instrumentation radar, and ability to troubleshoot and repair radar problems
• Perform RCS measurements using high-speed, broadband pulsed-IF radar system
• Strong understanding of positioner systems used in RCS and antenna measurements
• Experience using RCS data processing software such as Knowbell, CompuQuest, Pioneer, Saber and Matlab
• Experience in test matrix development utilizing full implementation of the Nyquist criteria against target and test scene dimensions for both SAR and ISAR data collection techniques
• Familiarity with electrical properties of materials and test techniques for same
• Strong math, science, and programming skills
• Ability to interface with customers directly, write technical proposals and test reports
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) to document results
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program clearances
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repetitively during the workday
• Ability to stand on feet for prolonged periods
• Ability to routinely and repetitively climb vertical ladder

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Understands mechanical drawings and electronic schematics
• Analytical techniques of range debugging a plus
• Test body development for RCS measurements a plus
• Good documentation, organization and communication skills
• Demonstrates initiative, self-starter, adaptable, and highly motivated for excellence
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement with a focus on customer service
• Ability to work within a small team environment

If you are a dynamic, successful, driven professional, Northrop Grumman Aeronautical Systems is the company that will further your experience and career growth. We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including, medical, dental, 401k, tuition reimbursement, and much more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Range: $117,700 USD - $176,500 USD

Salary Range 2: $95,000 USD - $142,400 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.