Principal/Sr. Principal RF Electronics Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 23, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores B 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.Join Northrop Grumman - Cincinnati (aka Xetron), part of Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because of the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It's that kind of place! But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos like “This company is insanely advanced” and “Wow. This is mind blowing.” See some of our recent Awards and Recognition and read about some of the reasons to live in Cincinnati.
We are seeking a cleared or clearablePrincipal or Sr. Principal RF Electrical Engineers to join our Engineering Group onsite in Cincinnati, Ohi o to help deliver advanced RF communications capabilities for U.S. government and intelligence customers. This critical role offers the opportunity to solve complex technical challenges, contribute to mission-focused programs, and make a meaningful impact on our nation’s security.
What you'll get to do:
The RF Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining RF systems, antennas, and communication equipment to support the government mission and operations. This role involves applying RF engineering principles to design and develop new systems, modify existing systems, and troubleshoot and resolve RF issues, while ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry standards.
The RF Engineer will perform RF analysis, simulations, and testing to validate designs, and will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate RF systems with other disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Additionally, the RF Engineer will develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, technical reports, and test plans, and will provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and other team members. Proficiency in RF design tools, experience with RF systems and equipment, and a strong understanding of RF engineering principles, including antenna design, propagation modeling, and frequency planning, are essential for success in this role.
This role can be filled at the Principal or Sr. Principal level.
Basic Qualifications for Principal (level 3):
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or other STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience; Master’s Degree with 3 years’ experience; PhD with 1 year experience.
- US Citizenship is required
- An active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance is required
- Basic knowledge and experience of digital and RF circuit design
- Experience and knowledge using and reading engineering drawings
- Experience presenting engineering findings orally and in written technical reports and presentations
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal (level 4):
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or other STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; Master’s Degree with 6 years’ experience; PhD with 3 year experience.
- US Citizenship is required
- An active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance is required
- Basic knowledge and experience of digital and RF circuit design
- Experience and knowledge using and reading engineering drawings
- Experience presenting engineering findings orally and in written technical reports and presentations
Preferred Qualifications for both:
- Master's degree in RF Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university
- Proven experience designing RF receivers and transmitters across L-, S-, C-, K-, Ka-, and V-bands, including V-band down conversion and S-band/V-band receiver architectures
- Expertise in power amplifier design for those frequency bands
- Strong background in filter definition and implementation
- Experience with RF hardware design, testing and analysis using computer aided design (CAD)
- Proficiency in RF link analysis and link budgets, including noise modeling and degradation effects
- Experience with high-data-rate systems, including APSK modulation and associated impairments
- Familiarity with space RF link standards and practices, including ITU and CCSDS
- Hands-on experience interfacing with antennas and performing antenna characterization
- Proficiency with RF test equipment and related test methodologies
- Experience with RF printed wiring board (PWB/PCB) layout and microwave design best practices