Principal Engineer Electronics
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 19, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 14, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.This requisition may be filled at the Principal OR Sr Principal level based on requirements listed below.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer or Sr. Principal Electrical Engineer to support the Common Products Production Test Engineering organization in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
Essential Functions:
As a member of the Common Products Test Engineering Organization, you will have the opportunity to provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle of complex electronic assemblies Line Replaceable Units (LRU) or Weapon Replaceable Assembly (WRA) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), from development and transition to production through sustainment and in-service support. In this role, you will apply hands-on electrical engineering expertise in circuit analysis, schematic interpretation, component-level troubleshooting, root cause investigation, and non-conformance review to resolve test failures, improve yield and reliability, and support material review board dispositions, engineering changes, and obsolescence solutions. You will collaborate closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, suppliers, and internal customers to develop, validate, sustain, and continuously improve production processes, test methods, and hardware performance with a focus on safety, quality, producibility, cost, and on-time delivery, while supporting qualification activities, technical documentation, and long-term product support for Aeronautics programs.
Basic Qualifications:
- Principal Electrical Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 years of related experience
- Sr. Principal Electrical Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of related experience
- Provide support in person and through documentation generation of findings and implemented solutions.
- Must have a general understanding of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring personnel and equipment safety.
- Good communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
- Debug, troubleshoot and verify test stations
- Apply technical knowledge to analyze, investigate and resolve production line faults during acceptance testing.
- Performs functional testing and troubleshooting of equipment and systems utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
- Experience with automated testing of CCA (circuit card assembly).
- Experience with automated testing for LRU and WRA.
- Experience with electronic test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, DC/AC power supplies, and network analyzers.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the business.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on mixed circuit design.
- Experience with MES, equipment connectivity, traceability, SAP or other ERP/MRP systems, and automated manufacturing data collection.
- Experience in high-reliability, regulated, industrial, life-safety, aerospace, or other complex electronics manufacturing environments.
- Hands-on approach with the ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor while maintaining strong documentation and change control.
- Experience working with NI LabVIEW and TestStand applications.
- Experience with OrCAD, Pspice, or LTspice for circuit simulation.
- Advanced knowledge of IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and IPC J-STD-001 soldering process requirements; current IPC certification is a plus.
- Knowledge of IPC-7711/7721 rework and repair practices.
- Knowledge of J-STD-020/033 moisture-sensitivity controls.
- Hands-on experience bringing up hardware from prototype design into production.
- Ability to work with minimal direction or guidance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.