Northrop Grumman

Sr Principal Systems Architect Engineer - Global Sys & SW Architect (26-276)

Northrop Grumman$129K — $193K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in STEM with relevant experience
  • Active DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance
  • 10% travel willingness
  • Deep understanding of systems and software engineering
  • Experience with architecture artifacts and complex software development
  • Ability to collaborate in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Knowledge of Command and Control systems and missile defense

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineers and managers to translate requirements into architecture
  • Develop and baseline system requirements and architectural decompositions
  • Serve as technical liaison to Missile Defense Agency counterparts
  • Mentor junior staff in systems engineering
  • Participate in planning and governance activities related to architecture
  • Adapt to changing tasks and support various mission needs
  • Travel to program review sites as needed

Benefits

  • Health Plan
  • Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance
  • Training and Development
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems-Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Systems Architect Engineer - Global Systems & SW Architect (26-276) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, or Schriever Space Force Base, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview:

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.

Essential Functions:

Collaboration - Work under the direction of the Global Chief Architect (or delegate) with task-order engineers, software architects, and program managers to translate requirements into architecturally compliant allocations and to complete design packages that meet the mandated "ilities" criteria.

Requirements & Architecture - Develop, review, and baseline derived system requirements, architectural decompositions, and engineering estimates, explicitly addressing maintainability, reliability, usability, and scalability throughout.

Technical Interface - Serve as the technical liaison to MDA working-level counterparts.

Mentorship - Provide guidance and skill-building to junior systems engineering staff, emphasizing "ilities"-focused design thinking.

Governance & Planning - Participate in iteration planning, internal review boards, and governance activities; educate teammates on architectural patterns in use; ensure designs are testable, traceable, and optimized for long-term operation.

Flexibility - Ability to shift between tasks on short notice and support varied mission needs.

Travel - Periodic travel to CONUS program review sites (Huntsville, AL) and local trips in the Colorado Springs area. Limited additional travel to support program needs.

Basic Qualifications:

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

  • A Bachelor's Degree in STEM Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master's degree (preferred) in a STEM-related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 4 years of relevant work experience
  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be read on to SCI clearance
  • Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs
  • Deep understanding of systems engineering processes and software engineering principles
  • Proven record of applying those principles to craft product solutions that are maintainable, reliable, usable, and scalable
  • System architecture artifacts: Experience producing, reviewing, and maintaining artifacts such as requirements specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Use Cases, System Architecture Descriptions, Trade Study reports, Data Flow Diagrams, "ilities" analyses (reliability, maintainability, usability, scalability, etc.), and other MBSE deliverables
  • Complex software development: Hands-on work with Object-Oriented Analysis/Design (OOA/OOD) and the implementation of large, integrated software systems that meet strict "ilities" goals
  • Team collaboration: Comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams that include systems, software, and specialty engineers to deliver end-to-end solutions
  • Communication: Excellent written skills and the ability to present technical approaches and findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Engineering planning: Capable of writing and executing detailed engineering plans in a project environment
  • Federal acquisition expertise: Hands-on experience executing under FAR (e.g., operational concept development, requirements mapping, system decomposition, design pattern compliance, artifact creation, implementation, and sell-off)
  • Analysis & Trade Studies: Proven ability to lead or conduct Analysis of Alternatives, trade studies, and design evaluations
  • Domain knowledge (primary focus) Command and Control (C2) systems - design, integration, and operation of C2 architectures
  • Domain knowledge (secondary/desired) Space and Missile Defense systems - experience with mission-critical architectures, sensor fusion, and weapon system interfaces
  • Cybersecurity concepts and network architecture technologies (understanding of dependencies and design drivers)
  • Personal qualities: Strong desire to learn new missions and emerging technologies


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Object-oriented languages (Java preferred) and production of OOD/OOA deliverables
  • Crafting mission definition concepts with customer input, near-real-time, persistent, distributed user processing
  • Experience in systems analysis, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), virtualization, containerization, and cloud computing principles
  • Processing sensor data


What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that fosters your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, allowing you to choose options that meet your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:

  • Health Plan
  • Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance
  • Training and Development
  • Flexible Work Arrangements


https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

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Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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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