Staff Engineer Hardware

About this role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people’s lives today and for generations to come. Our pioneering spirit keeps us at the forefront of major technological advancements — from stealth platforms to deep‑space missions.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Staff Hardware Engineer to join our team supporting F‑35 Sustainment in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader and subject‑matter expert for RF/digital hardware, driving sustainment strategy, design improvements, and test/process optimization across a complex hardware portfolio.

What You’ll Do • Provide technical leadership and direction for RF/digital hardware sustainment across the program

• Define and drive hardware test strategies, architectures, and equipment roadmaps • Own high‑impact investigations (RCCAs) and lead cross‑functional teams to resolve complex hardware and test issues • Analyze hardware and test performance data to identify systemic trends and lead corrective/improvement actions • Guide the development, verification, and implementation of new or improved test methods, fixtures, and equipment • Collaborate with systems, software, and manufacturing engineering to ensure robust hardware/software integration • Mentor and coach engineers and technicians, building capability in troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis • Establish and maintain product yield targets; drive yield improvement initiatives and report status in program forums • Support organizational and depot‑level maintenance and technical support at customer and field locations, as needed • Partner with program management and functional leadership to align hardware sustainment priorities with program objectives

Telework: Scheduled telework may be approved at the manager’s discretion. Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and typically 12 or more years of related engineering experience; or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and typically 10 or more years of related engineering experience; or PhD in a STEM discipline and typically 8 or more years of related engineering experience

• Experience working with classified and unclassified networks, secure data/storage solutions, and government interfaces

• Deep working knowledge of engineering principles, processes, and software/hardware integration

• Hands‑on experience performing electrical and RF troubleshooting using equipment such as multimeters, network/spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.

• Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics, and block diagrams and translate them into test and troubleshooting approaches

• Experience assessing test equipment effectiveness (availability, performance, quality) and leading improvement efforts

• Proven analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and technical decision‑making skills on complex hardware issues

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams and to work both independently and as part of an integrated product team

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance

• US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications • Experience serving as a hardware technical lead or subject‑matter expert on a major program or product line

• Experience writing, reviewing, and presenting technical information to internal stakeholders and external customers

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, with specialization in RF or high‑speed digital design

• Knowledge of C, C++, LabVIEW, Python or other scripting languages used in automated test environments

• Familiarity with FPGA/VHDL concepts and programming, and their interaction with hardware test and diagnostics

• Experience in high‑reliability, aerospace/defense hardware environments (mil/aero standards, environmental test, etc.)

• Active DoD Top Secret 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!

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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 contribution

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