Northrop Grumman

Sr. Staff - Chief Engineer - 18318

Northrop Grumman$184K — $276K *
Roy, UT 84067In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 16+ years of relevant experience, or master's with 14+ years, or PhD with 12+ years
  • Active U.S Government Secret Clearance
  • Ability to obtain Top Secret Clearance and SAP approval
  • 12+ years leading cross-functional engineering teams in missile or aerospace programs
  • Hands-on expertise in MBSE, PLM/CAD, and DoD engineering standards

Responsibilities

  • Ensure engineering team follows sound engineering processes
  • Lead and mentor cross-disciplinary engineering teams, providing technical direction
  • Oversee system design, integration, and verification processes
  • Maintain technical baselines and track performance metrics
  • Chair major technical reviews and liaise with customers and leadership
  • Identify and manage technical risks and develop mitigation actions
  • Drive technical execution for program events to deliver customer value

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription


Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking to hire a Sr. Staff - Chief Engineer. This position will be located in Huntsville, Alabama or Roy, Utah.

Provide overall technical leadership for all aspects of missile design, development, integration and test.  The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player with strong leadership skills and demonstrated problem-solving skills.  The position requires excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal/organizational skills, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

The selected candidate will have responsibilities for managing the technical performance and providing technical oversight and leadership to a multi-disciplinary engineering team developing a critical defense capability.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Ensure the engineering team adheres to sound engineering processes across all disciplines

  • Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary engineering IPTs (systems, air-vehicle, mission, software, test, manufacturing, supply chain, mission assurance) providing technical direction

  • Own end-to-end system design, integration, and verification, overseeing architecture, requirements, MBSE, hardware/software development, avionics integration, laboratory and flight-test activities, and data analysis to deliver a sustainable weapon system on schedule

  • Maintain the technical baseline and Integrated Master Schedule, track KPIs, technical performance measures and KPPs, and ensure compliance with safety, airworthiness, quality, and DoD engineering standards

  • Chair and lead all major technical reviews (SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and serve as the primary technical liaison with the customer, subcontractors, and senior leadership, delivering briefings and status updates

  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks, issues, and opportunities; develop and execute mitigation actions and escalate significant concerns to program leadership

  • Drive technical execution for major program events, ensuring alignment with the Integrated Master Schedule and delivering exceptional customer value

  • Champion agile and process-excellence practices across software, integration, and test, fostering continuous-improvement and affordability initiatives

  • Implement and advance Model-Based Engineering tools and processes to create a highly sustainable, configurable weapon system architecture

  • Coordinate technical interchange with suppliers and functional groups, articulating requirements, securing resources, and ensuring supplier deliverables meet program objectives

  • Oversee technical proposal development, large-scale bid reviews, and engineering change proposals, ensuring technical adequacy, schedule adherence, and budget compliance

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 16+ years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree and 14+ years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 12+ years of relevant experience

  • Must be a US Citizen with an active U.S Government Secret Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

  • 12+ years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams on missile or aerospace programs, with hands-on expertise in MBSE, PLM/CAD, configuration management, and DoD engineering standards

  • Experience interpreting physics-based modeling and simulation results to influence design decisions and evaluate system performance

  • Experience in building and leading high performing teams, strong business acumen, and ability to work effectively across multiple functions

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in cruise missile design, development, testing and transition to production

  • Strong communication skills and demonstrated experience interfacing with senior organizational and customer leadership

  • Active DoD Top Secret Clearance

  • Outstanding ability to build rapport and collaborate with external partners, suppliers, and stakeholders

  • Experience developing complex requirements and maintaining traceability throughout the lifecycle

  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) reporting

  • Experience with agile processes and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)

Position Benefits

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:  

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage  

  • 401k  

  • Educational Assistance  

  • Life Insurance  

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions   

  • Paid Time Off   

  • Health & Wellness Resources   

  • Employee Discounts  

This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00

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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