Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Level)

Northrop Grumman$114K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in STEM and 5-7 years related experience, or Master's and 3-6 years, or PhD and 1-4 years of experience
  • Active US Government Secret clearance required
  • Experience with systems engineering tools like DOORS or CAMEO
  • Background in aerospace/defense avionics or unmanned aerial systems
  • Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance

Responsibilities

  • Support requirements development, management, and allocation
  • Conduct verification and validation planning
  • Manage subsystem integration and testing activities
  • Prepare engineering materials for key program reviews
  • Facilitate communication between project leads and teams
  • Document and verify requirements throughout the project lifecycle

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Senior Principal level Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role may be located in Rancho Bernardo, CA, or El Segundo, CA.

This team is part of the Research and Advanced Development division working on exciting new next generation technologies. In this role, you will have the ability to shape multiple efforts to bring systems engineering rigor and traceability.

You will be an individual contributor who acts as the bridge between customer vision and a deliverable product, driving the entire requirements lifecycle from initial concept to verification. You'll develop, manage, and trace system requirements, translating CONOPS and customer needs into detailed specifications and allocating them to lower level subsystems.

The engineer leads interface definition, ensures proper decomposition and allocation of requirements, and creates verification and validation plans that guarantee each requirement is met. You'll support subsystem integration and testing activities, preparing engineering artifacts for key program reviews such as SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, SVR, and TRR. Acting as a central communication hub, they coordinate with program managers, project leads, and subsystem teams to maintain alignment across the project and ensure that all requirements are documented, verified, and validated throughout the development process.

Responsibilities:
  • Support system requirements development, management, analysis, and traceability, to translate customer requirements and CONOPS into systems requirements, and further allocate to lower-level requirements.
  • Perform requirements development, allocation, verification/validation planning and manage interface definition efforts.
  • Support system/subsystems integration, test, and requirements verification activities.
  • Support the preparation of system engineering materials during System Requirements Review, System Functional Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, System Verification Review, Test Readiness Review, and other program reviews as needed.
  • Support interface/communication with program, functional and subsystem leads
  • Management of requirements, include decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation


This role can be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level based on the requirements below.

Basic Qualifications:

At a Principal Level:
  • Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience


At a Senior Principal Level:
  • Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience


And at Both Levels:
  • Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company.
  • Must have experience in systems engineering tools, such as DOORS, CAMEO.
  • Must have experience in aerospace/defense level avionics and unmanned aerial systems


Preferred Qualifications:
  • A current active or ability to obtain an DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering approach.
  • Experience in integrating complex system across multiple domains
  • Experience demonstrating concepts to management and customers
  • Proficient with configuration management tools to maintain traceability of systems engineering artifacts


Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary 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
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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