Northrop Grumman

Principal / Senior Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman$114K — $171K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in STEM with requisite years of Systems Engineering experience
  • Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace or defense
  • Proficiency in systems-engineering tools like DOORS or MATLAB
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Excellent communication skills, able to present technical concepts to non-experts
  • Team player with a collaborative approach to projects
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality results
  • Agility and adaptability in fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

  • Own post-CDR technical baseline, ensuring consistency and control of requirements
  • Maintain verification cross-reference matrix linking requirements to tests and analyses
  • Lead integration and test planning, developing procedures and coordinating resources
  • Execute verification campaigns, analyze results, and manage verification reporting
  • Support system validation and operational testing in representative environments
  • Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing for production transition
  • Manage configuration and change processes, leading CCBs and updating traceability
  • Maintain risk and issues register, proposing mitigations and updating stakeholders
  • Mentor junior engineers and promote cross-functional knowledge sharing
  • Drive process improvements and contribute to lessons-learned documentation

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

The Engineering & Sciences organization at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a highly skilled Principal or Senior PrincipalSystems Engineer to join our team in Woodland Hills, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering principles and extensive experience executing post-CDR program phases, including integration and test, verification sell-off, and production transition. This role requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage configuration baselines, and ensure the successful transition of complex hardware and software systems into production.

What You'll Get to Do:
  • Own the post-CDR technical baseline, ensuring requirements, architectures, and ICDs remain consistent, traceable, and properly controlled through qualification and production transition.
  • Refine and maintain the verification cross-reference matrix, mapping each requirement to specific test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration, including HIL and SIL coverage.
  • Lead integration and test planning and execution, developing test procedures, coordinating lab resources, and driving incremental HW/SW integration from components through system-level builds.
  • Execute formal verification campaigns, analyze test results, resolve discrepancies, and maintain verification status reporting to support requirement sell-off and customer acceptance.
  • Support system validation and operational suitability activities, including mission-scenario testing, host-platform integration, and evaluation in representative environments.
  • Partner with Operations and Manufacturing to enable production transition, contributing to DFM/DFA reviews, production test strategies, and as-built configuration tracking.
  • Drive ongoing configuration and change management, leading or participating in CCBs, assessing the technical impact of changes, and keeping DOORS traceability up to date.
  • Maintain and report on the risk and issues register for post-CDR phases, proposing mitigations and providing clear status to program leadership and customers.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers; actively participate in cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with program objectives and promote knowledge sharing across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, proposing updates to configuration-management practices and contributing to lessons-learned documentation for future programs.


This position may be filled as a Principal Systems Engineer or Senior Principal Systems Engineer.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline + 5 years of related Systems Engineering experience; Master of Science in a STEM discipline + 3 years of related Systems Engineering experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline + 1 year of related Systems Engineering experience
  • Demonstrated systems-engineering experience, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Proficient with systems-engineering tools such as DOORS, CAMEO, MATLAB, or comparable software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who actively contributes to cross-functional projects.
  • Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality, reliable work.
  • Agile and adaptable, thriving in fast-changing, fast-paced environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
  • Availability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, California.


Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline + 8 years of related Systems Engineering experience; Master of Science in a STEM discipline + 6 years of related Systems Engineering experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline + 4 years of related Systems Engineering experience
  • Demonstrated systems-engineering experience, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Proficient with systems-engineering tools such as DOORS, CAMEO, MATLAB, or comparable software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who actively contributes to cross-functional projects.
  • Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality, reliable work.
  • Agile and adaptable, thriving in fast-changing, fast-paced environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
  • Availability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, California


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field or in technical management.
  • Solid understanding of inertial navigation and related products.
  • Experience leading post-CDR phases and reviews such as Test Readiness Review (TRR), System Verification Review (SVR) / Functional Configuration Audit (FCA), Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) and Production Readiness Review (PRR).
  • Active DoD Secret clearance.


Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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