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Posted July 17, 2026
Northrop Grumman

Principal Engineer Electronics - R10240319

Rolling Meadows, IL, US Full Time
$108800 - $163200
Reference: R10240319

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies. 

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Engineer Electronics – Manufacturing Engineering based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL

Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of unique daily challenges and close proximity to products. Partnering with production, successful Engineers lead troubleshooting and ensure excellence in hardware and software. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks. 

 
This position will be part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Engineering team, where you will work to support the test engineering efforts for the LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment. 

This onsite, full-time position will support engineering efforts associated with testing, maintaining, and identifying improvements / corrective actions for a variety of Electro-optical and Infrared hardware and systems, including Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs), lasers, infrared sensors, along with an assortment of production test equipment and associated systems. 

What you will get to do: 

  • Support production and sustainment efforts of LITENING products within the Targeting Systems portfolio. 
  • Support Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) troubleshooting and root cause analyses for production and sustainment programs.  
  • Lead and support Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) test station development for EO-IR products, initiating requirements reviews, equipment selection, procurement, drawings, station build, validation, and development testing. 
  • Identify design improvements for manufacturability to reduce assembly complexity and costs.  
  • Engage with Systems and Design Engineering to ensure optimal manufacturability of products. 
  • Work cross-functionally to support or lead efforts needed to drive Continuous Improvement, reducing cost, cycle time, and defects. 
  • Lead and report day-to-day test engineering efforts, providing executive level presentation on current state of projects or on a plan to resolve a production level issue, performing earned value on non-recurring engineering activities. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, communication and leadership skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of management and individual contributors. 

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Engineer Electronics: 

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology or related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline within a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.  
  • Experience in production test support, development, and troubleshooting. 
  • Experience in managing small to medium scale projects or leading continuous improvement projects on schedule and on budget. 
  • Experience in creating test procedures or developing/improving manufacturing processes. 
  • Experience with Root Cause Corrective Action methods. 
  • Experience with circuit analysis. 
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 
  • US citizenship required. 

Preferred Qualifications for the Principal Engineer Electronics: 

  • 5 or more years of experience working with CCAs or electronic hardware in a manufacturing environment. 
  • Experience with integrating test station automation.  
  • Experience programming in C# or LabView. 
  • Experience with use of EO-IR test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Collimators, Black Bodies, Target Wheels, Power Meters, etc. 
  • Experience with EO-IR tests such as Modular Transfer Function (MTF) measurements, Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC), Noise-Equivalent Irradiance (NEI), Operability, Laser testing, Motion Control. 
  • Experience performing Earned Value Management (EVM) / Cost Account Management (CAM) efforts. 
  • Experience in Capital Project Management. 
  • Experience with Long Range Strategic Planning and impacts to Manufacturing. 
  • Experience with Manufacturing software planning tools such as SAP or JIRA. 
  • Northrop Grumman work experience. 
  • Experience with Microsoft Project. 
  • Active security clearance. 

What We Can Offer You: 
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! 

#MPR

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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