AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE TYPE: AU- Secret (NV1)
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
We are Northrop Grumman Australia. Our 800 strong team is leveraging unparalleled global resources to deliver sovereign Defence capability aligned to the Government's priorities across Aeronautics, Mission Critical Systems, Space and Guided Weapons. As we build our business and our capabilities, we are also developing a reputation as a outstanding place to work.
Help us define what is possible for our nation and for your career.
Turn ideas into real capability.
This role sits at the very front of product development, before requirements exist. Before contracts are written. You will work from workshopped ideas from end users in secure communications.
From here, you will:
Understand their problems, then shape what gets built next.
Explore ideas, test concepts, and build prototypes. Not just design on paper but prove what works.
If you are stuck delivering defined work, this is different. Here, you help decide what is worth building.
Location: Canberra or Brisbane. NV1 clearance required.
Key Responsibilities
You'll work across a mix of operational and complex advisory work, including:
Understand user problems and identify capability gaps early
Take workshop outputs and assess what is technically achievable
Turn ideas into practical product concepts and working prototypes
Explore solutions beyond traditional radio systems
Work across systems, electronics, and software teams
Balance creative ideas with real-world engineering constraints
About You
You thrive in environments where ideas are not fully defined, and you enjoy turning early concepts into practical, working solutions. You work best when collaborating across disciplines to take something abstract and make it real.
You'll likely bring or be motivated by:




Wanting more ownership early in your career
Solving problems without clear answers
Building and testing ideas, not just documenting
A background in electronics, systems, aerospace or mechatronics
Thinking beyond existing designs and finding better ways
Focusing on what is achievable, not just ideal
Taking initiative without waiting to be told
You must be an Australian Citizen and currently hold a NV1 clearance.
What we Offer
We have built our benefits to help you define your possible.
Professional Development – further education, leadership development, professional industry memberships and unlimited access to a range of online training
Purchased annual leave – 2 weeks
Salary packaging including novated car leases
Generous paid parental leave – 18 Weeks
Volunteer and enhanced Reservist Leave
Health & Wellbeing program
Employee Assistance Program
Everyone Matters
Doing the right thing and sharing success are two values underpinning how we behave at Northrop Grumman. Here, everyone matters including candidates from diverse backgrounds.
We are particularly proud of our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as demonstrated through our Second Innovate RAP **********), and our support for Veteran employment, and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Veterans to apply to join our team.
For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact
the•••••••@au.ngc.com
NB Files cannot be sent to this address.
As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, as such your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. You will also need to satisfy police checks and employment screening verification.
We are proud to be WORK180 accredited – check us out
Northrop Grumman Australia | WORK180 Endorsed Employer

📌 Principal Engineer - Product Development (Australia)
🏢 Northrop Grumman
📍 Australia