Principal Systems Engineer

Posted 14 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
3 Locations
In-Office
114K-171K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead definition, configuration, and management of system and subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Define hardware, software, and data interfaces, perform functional analysis and verification, coordinate interface working groups, support Agile/Jira workflows, and communicate ICD status, risks, and impacts to leadership and customers.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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 Sector has an opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer with a primary focus on Interface Control Document (ICD) definition and management. The position is located on site in Rancho Bernardo, CA, El Segundo, California or Palmdale, CA.

The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct. The candidate will be responsible for performing analysis while working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure to update and maintain a detailed set of software Interface Control Document (ICD) artifacts. The selected candidate will collaborate across engineering disciplines to integrate and communicate interface definition needs with internal stakeholders and external customers across multiple simultaneous Modernization and Sustainment efforts. This position will be in our Systems Engineering organization.

In this role, your primary roles and responsibilities will include:

  • Serve as the ICD lead engineer, owning definition, documentation, update, and configuration control of system and subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
  • Develop and maintain hardware, software, and data interfaces between internal subsystems and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency with system architecture and requirements.
  • Coordinate and lead interface working groups and technical interchange meetings to resolve interface issues and drive convergence across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Use full knowledge of software and hardware disciplines to define and decompose interface from system-level requirements.
  • Perform Systems Engineering activities, such as functional analysis, interface definition, and verification.
  • Work on Agile programs and methodology using Jira, including backlog refinement of interface-related tasks and stories.
  • Interface and present to program leadership and/or customers using strong written and oral communication skills, including status of ICD maturity, risks, and impacts.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.
  • Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.
  • Experience in DOORS, XML tooling (e.g., XSD editors, XML validators), Atlassian Tool Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced environment, Action Oriented, Strong Attention to Detail, Communicates Effectively.
  • Programming Skills in C/C++/Python/VBA including experience generating, parsing, and validating XML.
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and Systems Thinking mindset.
  • Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders.
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO).

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

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's degree in STEM with 5 years related engineering experience OR Master's in STEM with 3 years OR PhD in STEM with 1 year
  • Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (background investigation within past 5 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) prior to employment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment
  • Experience with DOORS
  • Experience with XML tooling (e.g., XSD editors, XML validators)
  • Experience with Atlassian Tool Suite, including Jira and Agile workflows
  • Ability to work full-time on-site at employer facilities (no remote/hybrid)
  • Experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) and performing systems engineering activities (functional analysis, interface definition, verification)
  • Willingness/ability to travel approximately 25% of the time
  • Experience defining and maintaining Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and leading interface working groups
  • Proficiency in technical communication and briefing stakeholders
  • Programming skills in C, C++, Python, or VBA including generating/parsing/validating XML
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
  • Experience with MBSE concepts and tools (CAMEO)
  • Demonstrated technical writing, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills

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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