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Principal Electronics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$108K - $200K/yr

No At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using ... The Principal Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and ...

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$142K - $174K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Electrical Systems Engineer to join our Herndon, VA team and lead the ... Provide technical leadership for the development of high-reliability electronics, including power ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Electronics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$146K

$210.7K

How much do principal electronics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal electronics engineer in Virginia is $145,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Electronics Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Electronics EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electronics Engineering, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, project leadership rolesDesign, testing, and development in engineering teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, manufacturingElectronics manufacturing, consumer electronics, telecommunications

The main difference is that a Principal Electronics Engineer typically holds a senior, leadership-oriented role with advanced expertise, overseeing projects and guiding teams, while an Electronics Engineer focuses on designing and developing electronic systems at a more technical level. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal position involves more strategic responsibilities and experience.

What job categories do people searching Principal Electronics Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Electronics Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal Electronics Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Electronics Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Electronics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Sr Principal Antenna Test Electronics Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Waynesboro, VA • On-site

$122K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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 the heart of who we are, Northrop Grumman is a leading American manufacturing company delivering advanced technologies in support of national security. Our manufacturing operations in Waynesboro, Virginia support production of advanced electronics, radar, and communication systems within our broader portfolio of defense capabilities. Our teams work collaboratively to ensure manufacturing excellence, production readiness, and continuous improvement across programs.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Sr Principal Antenna Test Electronics Engineer (T4)/ Project Lead to support production and manufacturing operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities.
What You'll Get To Do:
The Sr Principal Antenna Test Electronics Engineer will lead cross-discipline engineering teams, typically 5 engineers, across multiple projects related to antenna test equipment and antenna test facility projects. Projects are a mix of RF, electrical, and mechanical test equipment. Role will have project execution across multiple test cells for a specific program/product.
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Lead and direct cross-functional engineering teams during design, manufacturing, and delivery phases of test equipment projects
  • Develop project execution plans and lead teams through weekly assignments
  • Develop and maintain project schedules
  • Work with suppliers and be able to articulate project requirements
  • Brief internal leadership on progress of work assigned
  • Perform in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings.
  • Troubleshoot RF issues during test of advanced antenna systems
  • Software development for automating test processes and data analysis
  • Analyze test data and identify early trends

The selected candidate should be self-motivated, highly organized, and detail oriented and possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
This position is contingent upon proposal/task award.
#MPR
Basic Qualifications for the Sr Principal Antenna Test Electronics Engineer (T4) :
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in a STEM field (EE Degree preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of related experience in Engineering or Test; candidates with a Master's degree need a minimum of 5 years of related experience in Engineering or Test.
  • Current, active U.S. Government Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP).
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Professional software development experience using languages such as C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.
  • Experience with electrical and/or RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, etc.
  • Experience leading technical projects.
  • Experience in development engineering of systems/products.
  • Experience with the Design, Manufacturing or Test process.
  • Experience developing and executing project schedules.

Preferred Qualifications :
  • Software development experience with RF and antenna systems
  • Test development experience in a nearfield antenna range
  • RF test experience and/or antenna test/range experience
  • Familiarity with RF and antenna theory
  • Current, active U.S Government Special Access Program (SAP) Clearance.
  • Experience with Tactical Software and Scripting Development in C,C#,VB,MATLAB

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: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939