Northrop Grumman

Sr Principal Systems Engineer (DTS) (26-373)

Northrop Grumman$129K — $193K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in a STEM field (Computer Science, Engineering, etc.) with 8 or 6 years of relevant experience respectively; PhD with 4 years is also acceptable.
  • Active Secret security clearance required at application.
  • 3–5 years of full life-cycle systems engineering experience on defense programs; focus on IT-centric solutions is critical.
  • Background in delivering operational software or training systems to DoD programs, with a strong record in meeting targets.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development activities for the Distributed Test System (DTS) as the primary systems engineering contact.
  • Identify and resolve technical issues and risks across the C2BMC program in collaboration with teams and contractors.
  • Ensure interfaces and performance of sim/stim equipment meet mission objectives through close coordination with contractors.
  • Oversee and direct the integration and testing of DTS activities with the test and integration team.
  • Provide clear status updates on DTS progress and risk mitigation at program and technical meetings.
  • Work with Task Order management to explore improvements and support future planning for DTS increments.
  • Engage with Government clients to align DTS capabilities with operational and training requirements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health plan options.
  • Savings plan to help build your financial future.
  • Paid time off for personal and vacation needs.
  • Education and training assistance to support professional development.
  • Flexible work arrangement options to accommodate personal needs.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Systems Engineer (DTS) (26-373) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, 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 (MDS). 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 plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, 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. Within this context, the DTS Systems Engineer will provide technical leadership for the system’s Distributed Test System (DTS) development, ensuring that simulation and stimulation (sim/stim) capabilities are robust, integrated, and aligned with mission and training needs. Essential Functions: - Provide technical leadership for DTS development activities, serving as a primary systems engineering point of contact for DTS architecture, design, integration, and verification - Identify technical issues and risks across the C2BMC enterprise and coordinate resolution with internal teams, associate contractors, and stakeholders - Coordinate closely with associate contractors responsible for developing sim/stim equipment, ensuring interfaces, performance, and mission objectives are met - Work hand-in-hand with the test and integration team to provide oversight, technical direction, and systems engineering rigor throughout DTS integration and test activities - Report status at program and technical meetings, providing clear, concise updates on DTS progress, risk posture, and mitigation plans - Collaborate with Task Order management to address work scope questions, identify potential improvements, and support planning for follow-on task orders and future DTS increments - Engage directly with Government customers to understand requirements, address questions and concerns, and ensure DTS capabilities align with operational and training needs - Support requirements definition, allocation, and traceability for DTS-related capabilities, ensuring a coherent, testable system baseline - Contribute to continuous improvement of DTS processes, tools, and documentation to enhance system reliability, maintainability, and scalability Basic Qualifications: Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable. - A Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, 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 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 Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start - Systems Engineering Experience: 3–5 years of full life-cycle systems engineering on complex defense programs, with a strong emphasis on designing, integrating, and validating IT-centric solutions (servers, networks, storage, virtualization) - Customer Deliverable Background: Direct experience supporting a DoD or government program that delivers operational software or training systems to an external customer, with a proven record of meeting schedule, cost, and performance targets - Communication Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable producing technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders - Some travel may be required to support test events, customer engagements, and coordination with partner sites Preferred Qualifications: - Master's Degree in Systems Engineering is highly preferred - Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification - Certification: Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Fundamental (OCSMP - MBF) - IT Infrastructure Expertise: Demonstrated capability to architect, deploy, and manage robust, secure, and scalable compute, storage, and network platforms—leveraging virtualization and container technologies—to support high‑performance missile defense simulation environments - Technical Interface Development: Systems-engineered design and validation of the interfaces that connect simulation components (e.g., physics engines, command-and-control systems, visual displays) into a cohesive, high‑performance environment - Domain Knowledge – IAMD: Familiarity with ballistic missile defense and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) concepts (e.g., C2BMC, GMD, THAAD) to understand dataflow, timing requirements, and operational context of the simulation environment - Requirement Translation & Management: Skilled at converting high‑level operational needs into a coherent, traceable set of IT infrastructure and system requirements that drive design, procurement, integration, and fielding - Training System Integration: Experience integrating IT infrastructure with training system components (scenario loaders, real‑time data feeds, instructor‑of‑record consoles) used in missile defense exercises and live‑fire events - Communication Excellence: Ability to produce clear, concise documentation and to present technical approaches and findings to senior leadership, customers, and interdisciplinary audiences What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit 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 #NGSpace #COSpace #NGFeaturedJobs #C2BMC #SystemsEngineering 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.

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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.

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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.

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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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