Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Mfg Test/RF Systems)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Rolling Meadows
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes 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 is looking for you to join us as a Principal Engineer, Embedded Software – Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL . This position will support software efforts associated with testing of Radio Frequency (RF) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment. Behavioral Traits sought out: The Manufacturing Software Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups. We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies: a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership b) Acts with Speed c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience d) Leads with Courage e) Sets vision for the assigned products f) Builds a High Performing Team This individual will be responsible for all aspects of test software development from requirements capture through final validation and release. A successful person in this role will be very effective at leading collaboration with the product Design Engineer, the Test Hardware Engineer, the Quality Assurance Engineer and the Manufacturing Technician. This position would include providing needed efforts to set up and support the acceptance testing of the Shop Replaceable Units, as well as acceptance testing and environmental screening at the payload (Line Replaceable Unit) level. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems. What you will get to do: Support to Production : Review and make needed updates to software governing how test equipment operates. Troubleshoot discrepancies in software packages. Coordinate with Electrical Design Engineering, Software & Firmware Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to meet contractual acceptance testing and environmental screening commitments. Software design – coding & integration/validation : Investigate, design, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements. Test procedure development/Maintenance : Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures. Continuous improvement : Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects. Testability reviews : Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design. Interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors. Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential. Basic Qualifications for the Manufacturing Test Software Engineer (RF Systems) Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or related STEM degree with a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience. Experience using C# (and/or Lab Windows CVI or Java). Experience with use of RF test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Spectrum Analyzer, Network Analyzer, etc. Familiarity with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines. Active DoD Security Clearance. US Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications for the Manufacturing Test Software Engineer (RF Systems) 5 or more years of experience in electronic hardware Manufacturing environment and/or electronic hardware software or firmware design environment preferred. Python and MATLAB experience is a highly preferred plus. Prior test equipment, fixture or prime hardware troubleshooting experience preferred. Experience in troubleshooting unit under test. Experience completing software projects involving software design/development activities as well as integration and validation activities/efforts on schedule and on budget. Experience using Agile practices and/or performing Earned Value. Experience using GitHub. What We Can Offer You : Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Berwyn , Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Mfg Test/RF Systems), Engineering , Rolling Meadows, Illinois