Engineer Electronics 2/3 - Ground System Architect/Integrator

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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 Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Level 2 or Level 3 Electronics Engineer (Ground System Architect/Integrator) to our team in San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, CA. This position will support the RQ-4 program. This candidate will be responsible for the development of next generation ground system solutions within the Mission Systems Integrated Product Team (IPT). Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Determine customer needs and develop approaches, implementations, components, and interfaces, while identifying standards and constraints, civil requirements, and security needs in the software deployment of the system. Survey the industry for awareness of customer needs and alternative systems. Lead trade studies, technology development, and subcontractor teams. Lead technical and cost proposals Write white papers describing the offerings and provide leadership and/or direction to software integration and deployment, test leads and engineering team. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. Once established in role, the position could potentially offer a hybrid work environment. Scheduled telework days are approved at manager's discretion. This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time. This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3 Electronics Engineer, depending upon the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications for Electronics Engineer (Level 2) : Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline. Demonstrated understanding of Ground System architecture including UAV Command and Control (C2), classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances, and government external interfaces. Knowledge of/experience with common ground approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security needs. Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, software/hardware integration, and system software deployment. Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance. Basic Qualifications for Principal Electronics Engineer (Level 3) : Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience. Demonstrated understanding of Ground System architecture including UAV Command and Control (C2), classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances, and government external interfaces. Knowledge of/experience with common ground approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security needs. Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, software/hardware integration, and system software deployment. Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance. Demonstrated understanding of Ground System architecture including UAV Command and Control (C2), classified and unclassified networks, network storage devices, security appliances, and government external interfaces. Knowledge of/experience with common ground approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security needs. Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, software/hardware integration, and system software deployment. Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications for both levels: Experience with Agile development and JIRA. Experience with IFC Upgrade to include integration and fielding for operational purposes Experience with the RQ-4 program. Experience writing and presenting technical information to customer and internal management audience. Experience with Cyber Security requirements and/or implementation. Experience in initial design, review, and the approval process and implementation thereof said design cradle to grave. Experience in Teamcenter, release process, CATIA and CAD drawing. Experience with supplier subcontractors and supplier SOW. Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Perris , Engineer Electronics 2/3 - Ground System Architect/Integrator, IT / Software / Systems , San Diego, California