Senior Principal Systems Architect

Posted 7 Days Ago
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Baltimore, MD, USA
In-Office
136K-204K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Leads system architecture and design across major development programs, supporting operational needs while managing cost, schedule, risk, requirements margins, and key performance parameters. Maintains alignment with internal roadmaps, product lines, and common components. The role requires architectural authority, systems engineering expertise, technical presentations, cross-functional collaboration across hardware, software, and firmware, and experience with requirements decomposition, architecture development, verification, and defense systems.
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 Mission System’s Engineering and Sciences (E&S) Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) Division is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Architect to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals. You will support the Program Manager and Chief Engineer as System Architect on multiple major development programs.
 
This position will be in Baltimore, MD, and is a full time on site role. 

What You’ll Get to Do:

The Senior Principal Systems Architect will support the maturation of the system architecture and design, be responsible for creating, evolving, and maintaining the system architecture to meet operational needs while accounting for cost, schedule, and risk. This role will also tailor system requirement margins based on risk and ensure compliance with Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). In addition, the Senior Principal Systems Architect is responsible for maintaining alignment between the selected solution and relevant internal roadmaps, product lines, and common components, as applicable.

  • Lead and serve as the primary authority for system architecture and design

  • Direct, manage, and oversee the creation, evolution, and maintenance of the overall system architecture to meet operational needs

  • Proactively manage architectural decisions to ensure alignment with cost, schedule, and risk constraints

  • Lead the tailoring of system requirements margins based on risk assessments and ensure compliance with Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

  • Manage and maintain alignment between the selected solution and internal roadmaps, product lines, and/or common components, as applicable

This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of experience, a master’s degree with 6 years of experience, or a PhD with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • U.S Citizenship is required. 

  • A current/active U.S Government Secret Clearance. 

  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP). 

  • Experience decomposing CONOPs to CONEMP and derived requirements

  • Experience creating, evolving and maintaining system architectures.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadership.

  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields. 

  • Active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher.  

  • Understanding the RF impacts of different hardware components on the system level performance to include executing trades, analysis of alternatives, SWAP impacts

  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems.

  • Experience in Design, Architecture development, Analysis, Systems Engineering, Integration and/or Test in one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, optics, threat analysis.

  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems

  • Experience defining Concept of Operations (ConOps), KPPs, and associated Technical Performance Measures (TPMs), Operational Concepts (OpsCon).

  • Experience collaborating across programs and product lines.

  • Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross reference artifacts.

  • Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules.

 Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. 
 
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! 
 
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world. 
 
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve. 
 
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world. 

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

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.

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 with 8 years of experience, master’s degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years in STEM or related technical fields; an additional 4 years may substitute for a degree
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Current and active U.S. Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP)
  • Experience decomposing CONOPs to CONEMP and derived requirements
  • Experience creating, evolving, and maintaining system architectures
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadership
  • Experience collaborating on complex projects involving hardware, software, and firmware
  • Advanced STEM degree or related technical field
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance or higher
  • Understanding of RF impacts, system-level performance trades, alternatives analysis, and SWAP impacts
  • Experience across engineering processes from proposal and requirements analysis through verification, testing, and fielding
  • Experience in design, architecture development, analysis, systems engineering, integration, or test involving EOIR systems, optics, or threat analysis
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD platforms or systems
  • Experience defining ConOps, KPPs, TPMs, and operational concepts
  • Experience collaborating across programs and product lines
  • Expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools, including IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, or Cameo
  • Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross-reference artifacts
  • Experience developing and managing EVM cost accounts and schedules

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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