Northrop Grumman

Sr Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman • $142K — $213K *
Los Angeles, CA 90011In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in STEM + 8 years experience; Master's + 6 years; or PhD + 4 years
  • Proven systems-engineering in aerospace or defense
  • Skilled with DOORS, CAMEO, MATLAB or similar tools
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data
  • Excellent communication skills, including translation for non-technical audiences
  • Team player contributing to cross-functional projects
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain technical baselines and verification requirements
  • Create functional and physical system architectures and trade-offs
  • Lead design review meetings and document decisions
  • Collaborate with integration and test teams on schedules and documentation
  • Execute verification plans and resolve discrepancies
  • Manage configuration items and conduct impact analyses
  • Author critical CDR artifacts and produce status reports
  • Mentor junior engineers and drive cross-functional collaboration
  • Identify and improve configuration-management processes

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

The Engineering & Sciences organization at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join our team based in Woodland Hills, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems-engineering principles and extensive experience delivering technology programs through rigorous design review and verification sell-off campaigns. This role requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage configuration baselines and ensure successful transition of hardware-software systems to production.

What You'll Get to Do:
  • Be responsible for the technical baseline development by capturing, analyzing, and finalizing the functional and performance requirements baseline; maintain full traceability in DOORS and confirm verifiability ahead of the Critical Design Review (CDR).
  • Develop functional and physical system architectures, conduct trade-off studies, and select optimal solutions that advance system maturity toward production readiness.
  • Organize and lead internal design-review meetings; facilitate external CDR sessions with customers, suppliers, certification bodies and other partners, collecting feedback, documenting decisions and driving corrective actions to closure.
  • Collaborate with integration and test teams on schedules, maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and create comprehensive test verification matrices that cover hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) scenarios.
  • Lead verification execution, analyze test and analysis results, resolve discrepancies and close verification loops to satisfy CDR baseline requirements and subsequent system qualification.
  • Manage baseline configuration items, enforce version control and conduct impact analyses for changes throughout system verification and validation.
  • Author and maintain critical CDR artifacts-System Requirements Document, ICD, Design Description, Test Plans, Risk Register-and produce regular status reports and executive-level presentations on CDR and verification readiness, risks and mitigation strategies.
  • 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.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline + 8 years of related experience; Master of Science in a STEM discipline + 6 years of related experience; or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline + 4 years of related 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.
  • A current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance.
  • 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.
  • Proven track record executing program milestones, including Systems Requirements Review (SRR), System Functional Review (SFR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).


Primary 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
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ
NOC
* Ladders Estimates

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