Northrop Grumman

Staff Integration & Test Engineer (SME) (26-424)

Northrop Grumman$133K — $199K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related field plus 12 years of experience; or master's degree with 10 years; or 16 years of relevant experience without a degree
  • Current, active in-scope Secret security clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in systems integration and analysis of defense-grade C2, sensor, or weapon systems
  • Authoritative experience producing integration, test, and analysis reports for large-scale systems
  • Hands-on experience with UNIX/Linux environments and scripting or data analysis languages like Python or MATLAB

Responsibilities

  • Lead integration, test, verification, and mission performance analysis for C2BMC regional applications
  • Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis for integration, operations, and tests
  • Support developers with troubleshooting, problem resolution, and test verification
  • Conduct performance analyses of C2BMC products during real-world and test events
  • Develop and execute test plans to validate software functionality
  • Act as a liaison and SME for technical communication between various teams and stakeholders
  • Mentor junior analysts and engineers on system design and analysis techniques

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: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Staff Integration & Test Engineer (SME) (26-424) 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 an essential part of the Missile Defense System (MDS). It provides a critical operational platform that enables the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and Combatant Commanders at strategic, regional, and tactical levels to systematically plan missile defense operations, monitor battle progress, and actively control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission objectives. C2BMC provides layered missile defense capabilities, delivering an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It acts as a force multiplier by connecting, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations—both worldwide and locally—to improve overall performance. Additionally, C2BMC is a key component of all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the missile defense system's current and future capabilities.

The successful candidate will join the C2BMC Regional Applications Analysis team and work directly with the C2BMC Chief Analyst. This role is ideal for a seasoned missile defense systems integrator and mission analyst who brings deep BMDS domain knowledge, a proven history of integration and test leadership across real-world operations and MDA-sponsored events, and a track record of mentoring the next generation of analysts.

As a Senior Analyst and Systems Integration SME, you will lead the integration, test, verification, and mission performance analysis of C2BMC regional applications. You will serve as a trusted technical authority across engineering teams, test ranges, Warfighter organizations, and DoD stakeholders—translating complex system behavior into clear, actionable findings that drive corrective action and inform program decisions.

Essential Functions:

  • Serve as a Systems Integrator and Analyst for C2BMC regional applications, performing first-line troubleshooting and deep-dive root cause analysis of issues encountered during integration, operations, test, and training events
  • Support developers through investigation, problem resolution, and test verification of Findings, Trouble Reports (TRs), and Change Reports (CRs)
  • Conduct investigations of uncovered issues in distributed and integrated ground test events demonstrating new BMDS functionality (e.g., System Track and related capabilities)
  • Produce timeline, performance, throughput, and latency analyses of C2BMC products used in real-world events, MDA-sponsored flight and ground test activities, and Warfighter training events
  • Develop and execute test verification plans demonstrating software functionality in benchmark and continuous lab environments; use results to assess build health at completion
  • Plan and execute integration tasks in support of multiple concurrent builds; provide lab demonstrations and workshops of build enhancements to internal and external customers while maintaining system stability and performance
  • Serve as a primary liaison and Subject Matter Expert (SME) between engineering teams, DoD senior leaders, test ranges, Warfighter organizations, and external partners; facilitate technical interchange meetings, technical reviews, and decision-making forums
  • Support definition and refinement of Warfighter Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS); design and manage distributed training scenarios and exercises and provide onsite, real-time SME support during Warfighter training runs and crew certifications
  • Interface with scrum teams, build teams, and lead architects across geographically distributed sites to ensure alignment between mission needs, engineering execution, and test/analysis results
  • Incorporate manual methods of analysis into automated analysis tools to improve efficiency, repeatability, and data quality
  • Mentor and coach junior analysts and engineers on system design, behavior characteristics, integration and test processes, and analysis techniques
  • Contribute to Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and capture technical risk metrics for program reporting aligned to missile defense acquisition milestones

Basic Qualifications:

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

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 12 years of experience; or a Master’s degree (preferred) in a related field with 10 years of relevant work experience; or 16 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the ability to be cleared at Top Secret clearance
  • Generally, 8+ years of related experience, with significant progressive experience in systems integration, test, and analysis of complex, defense-grade command and control (C2), sensor, or weapon systems (missile defense experience strongly preferred)
  • Proven record of producing authoritative integration, test, and analysis reports for large-scale, real-time systems, including performance, reliability, functional behavior, throughput, and latency
  • Hands-on proficiency operating in UNIX/Linux environments (including IBM AIX) at the command line
  • Working proficiency with a scripting or data analysis language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or comparable), including the ability to convert manual analysis methods into automated tools
  • Experience with Agile development and collaboration tools such as JIRA, Bitbucket, FishEye, and Crucible
  • Excellent analytical abilities with strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliability and quality
  • Understanding of systems and software engineering processes, principles, and lifecycles
  • Superior written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to brief senior military officials, Warfighters, and technical peers on system behavior, anomalies, and analysis results
  • Demonstrated mentorship of junior engineers and the ability to influence decisions in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Applicants with a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application are highly desired
  • Applicants with current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application are highly desired. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their 8140 certifications throughout the entire contract period
  • In-depth, hands-on experience with the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Fire Control (GFC) product or comparable missile defense battle management/fire control architectures
  • Experience supporting real-world operations, MDA-sponsored flight and ground tests, and Warfighter training, exercise, and certification events
  • Experience with BMDS System Track (BST) functionality and distributed/integrated ground test events
  • Experience designing scenarios in a distributed training architecture and managing distributed training exercises with internal and external command components
  • Familiarity with CORBA Interface Definition Language (IDL) and distributed, real-time system interfaces
  • Experience developing or contributing to automated assessment tools, parsers, and data-reduction pipelines
  • Experience applying earned value management (EVM) methodologies or improving requirements traceability
  • Exposure to secure DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab, Jenkins)
  • Prior U.S. military or intelligence experience related to air, missile, and space domains, including threat analysis and aircrew training support

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

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Primary Level Salary Range: $133,000.00 - $199,600.00

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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