Principal Systems Engineer / Sr Principal Systems Engineer

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Melbourne, FL, USA
In-Office
98K-184K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead systems engineering across the lifecycle for military aircraft programs: develop and decompose requirements, create system architectures, manage baselines, implement MBSE, support design reviews/SETR, and prepare technical data packages while maintaining security clearances and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Systems Engineer / Sr Principal Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Melbourne, Florida.

The successful candidate for this position encompasses knowledge and experience using systems engineering methodologies and techniques to include requirements development and analysis at all stages of the lifecycle. The role is responsible for Systems Engineering duties throughout the Systems Engineering V and/or secure requirements and verification. Candidates should have academic and/or work experience in one or more of the following engineering disciplines: systems, network, software, mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or data systems. Candidates should also have strong verbal and written communication skills, strong team building skills, thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations and significantly diverse assignments, and be comfortable working on teams with talented Engineers from other engineering disciplines. For this role the candidate will exhibit excellent communication, organization, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 5 years of experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience.

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with 8 years of experience, Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of experience.

Must have an active DoD Secret clearance or higher (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.

• Experience across the Systems Engineering processes with a broad understanding of the many subdisciplines of SE

• Experience with major milestones, design reviews, and the SETR process

• Experience with managing the program baseline and creating technical data packages

• Experience developing system architectures and implementing MBSE processes•

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced STEM degrees in engineering, software, or science

• Experience working on military aircraft

• Experience in developing, managing, and decomposing requirements

• Experience with DoD system security engineering activities

• Experience with Software development lifecycle process

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor/Master/PhD in STEM with corresponding years of experience (Principal: BS+5 or MS+3 or PhD+1; Sr Principal: BS+8 or MS+6 or PhD+4).
  • Active DoD Secret clearance or higher with background investigation within the last 6 years or currently enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Experience across Systems Engineering processes and subdisciplines.
  • Experience with major milestones, design reviews, and the SETR process.
  • Experience managing program baseline and creating technical data packages.
  • Experience developing system architectures and implementing MBSE processes.
  • Strong verbal and written communication, team-building skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Advanced STEM degrees in engineering, software, or science.
  • Experience working on military aircraft.
  • Experience developing, managing, and decomposing requirements.
  • Experience with DoD system security engineering activities.
  • Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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