Casual Technical Professional

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: No 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.

Job Description At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re seeking innovators to help us enhance our portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies.

By joining us, you will have the opportunity to expand your personal network and develop your skills, whether you are new to the field or a seasoned industry leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll find the resources, support, and team needed to excel in your career.

Position Overview

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Networked Information Systems, Engineering and Sciences (E&S) is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Casual Consultant for an intermittent, as-needed position supporting our Fighter Networked Systems (FNS) Operating Unit in San Diego, CA. This role will serve as the technical authority for Link-16 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Certification.

This role will provide strategic engineering analysis, regulatory guidance, and independent technical reviews across a dynamic portfolio of advanced fighter platform programs to ensure compliance with civil and military spectrum requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and specialized expertise for Link-16 EMC certification (EMCC) and spectrum supportability across development, production, and sustainment program phases. Review, refine, and contribute to critical independent technical work products, including Frequency Allocation applications (DD Form 1494), Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessments (SSRAs), and platform-specific EMC test plans.

Partner with program leadership and the engineering homeroom to evaluate Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), determining hardware/software modification impacts on existing RF emission profiles. Support engineering leadership development by mentoring junior RF/TDL engineers and sharing niche spectrum coordination best practices across the business area.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or related fields, with 10 years of experience; Master's degree with 8 years of experience (Equivalent military spectrum manager certifications and extensive hands-on Link-16 experience will be considered in lieu of a degree). 10+ years of professional experience in defense or aerospace industries.

Experience navigating the military spectrum certification lifecycle, including direct familiarity with NTIA manuals, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) instructions, and DD-1494 processes. Working knowledge of Link-16 hardware terminals (MIDS-LVT, MIDS-JTRS, or Small Form Factor variants) and their platform integration constraints.

Knowledgeable in systems engineering or RF hardware engineering processes, qualification testing, and tailoring. High proficiency in technical problem-solving, including root cause analysis and RF interference solution development. High proficiency in technical execution, including implementing recovery plans for failed EMC testing and adjusting certified engineering baselines.

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related fields. Deep domain experience in Tactical Data Links (TDL), digital airborne communications networks, and military aviation operations. Prior experience in an engineering functional leadership or advisory consultant role. Prior proposal/capture experience relating to spectrum supportability or platform integration bidding.

Demonstrated technical experience across complex multi-domain platform deployments. Active Top Secret / SCI clearance. Primary Level Salary Range: $1.00 - $2.00 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.