Principal Electronics Engineer – Hardware/Software Integration
Northrop Grumman · San Diego, CA
$114,000–$171,000from the description
Jul 9, 2026
San Diego, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
This role centers on physically building and integrating rack-based datacenter systems, including cabling, OS configuration (Windows, Solaris, VMware, ESXi), and IT hardware setup such as switches and KVM devices. The engineer also interprets and redlines engineering drawings, supports logistics and inventory tracking, and participates in offsite integration activities. It suits an experienced hardware/software integration engineer holding an active Top Secret clearance.
Senior level · 5+ years · San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA · Bachelor's required · TS/SCI clearance · Full-time
Advertised as Principal, but the requirements read as Senior.
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (7)
The role title is 'Principal Electronics Engineer' but the actual scope — datacenter rack builds, OS configuration, cabling, ILS/inventory, and field integration — maps most closely to systems/network administration (15-1244) rather than software development. There is a software development component mentioned, but it appears secondary to hands-on hardware integration work. 15-1252 is noted as a plausible alternative given the software development and configuration scripting elements.
Clearance gate is layered: an active Top Secret is a hard requirement to start; SCI and SAP access must be obtainable. The posting is classified as 'Top Secret' clearance required for start, so TopSecretSci is used as the closest match.
The degree requirement allows a Master's + 3 years or PhD + 1 year as equivalents to Bachelor's + 5 years; Bachelor's is reported as the minimum formal degree since equivalent experience is NOT explicitly accepted in lieu of a degree — a STEM degree of some level is always required.
Windows, Solaris, VMware, and ESXi appear together in the preferred section as a group ('one or more of the following'); they are listed as separate preferred skills reflecting the JD's intent that any one qualifies.
The 'Principal' title at Northrop Grumman is an internal grade level (roughly equivalent to Senior on the external market) rather than the org-wide technical authority implied by the Principal seniority band; seniority is assessed as Senior based on the 5-year experience requirement and scope of work.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): Datacenter hardware/software integration.
Requires a TS/SCI clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
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