Command and Control Enclave (C2E) Architect - Sr. Principal Engineer Systems Architect
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Command and Control Enclave (C2E) Architect - Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect to join the team of qualified individuals on our Research and Advanced Design organization. This role is located onsite in El Segundo, CA.
In the role, the successful candidate will serve as the primary technical expert responsible for delivering tailored architectural solutions that meet contract requirements within C2E and supporting other system architects. The focus is on conducting detailed trade studies, defining system integration approaches, and ensuring that design and development efforts align with the project's technical objectives. In this individual contributor role, the successful candidate will work closely with Systems Engineering and other technical teams to support the realization of contract deliverables.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead contract-specific trade studies and technical assessments to evaluate alternative design approaches, ensuring optimal performance, cost effectiveness, and alignment with C2E requirements.
- Develop and refine architectural strategies for hardware, software, support systems, and networking elements that underpin C2E.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and validate system requirements, ensuring seamless integration and proper testing throughout the system lifecycle.
- Analyze system performance, interface compatibility, and payload integration to deliver robust and scalable architecture solutions specific to C2E operations.
- Serve as the primary technical point-of-contact for inquiries related to the architectural direction and trade study outcomes, facilitating clear and effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare and deliver technical documentation, design reviews, and strategic proposals to support contract execution and ongoing system improvements.
- Apply rigorous engineering processes to all development, integration, and testing activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and quality standards.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications:
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience
Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or 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 business needs.
Must have experience in large system development, integration, and test processes, with a strong emphasis on technical analysis and trade studies.
Must have ability to drive technical initiatives as an individual contributor, managing complex tasks with minimal supervision.
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with customers, cross-functional teams, and management.
Must have a background in system architecture, with experience in software, hardware, networking, and/or related engineering disciplines.
Must have familiarity with various phases of engineering including concept development, testing, integration, and/or operational execution.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a STEM field
- Experience in developing technical proposals and statements of work related to DoD contracts.
- Well-versed in DoD systems engineering requirements and agile engineering methodologies.
- Understanding of earned value management, control account management, and digital transformation strategies.
- Knowledge of cyber protocols, network architecture, and data processing operations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in STEM with 8 years related experience OR Master of Science in STEM with 6 years OR Ph.D. in STEM with 4 years
- Active US Government Top Secret clearance with background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
- Experience in large system development, integration, and test processes with emphasis on technical analysis and trade studies
- Ability to drive technical initiatives as an individual contributor with minimal supervision
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interfacing with customers and cross-functional teams
- Background in system architecture with experience in software, hardware, and networking disciplines
- Familiarity with engineering phases including concept development, testing, integration, and operational execution
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a STEM field
- Experience developing technical proposals and statements of work for DoD contracts
- Well-versed in DoD systems engineering requirements and agile engineering methodologies
- Understanding of earned value management, control account management, and digital transformation strategies
- Knowledge of cyber protocols, network architecture, and data processing operations
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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