Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Sr Principal Systems Engineer (T4) to join our team in Rancho Bernardo, CA, El Segundo, CA, Palmdale, CA. The candidate will apply the full systems engineering lifecycle—from concept and requirements definition through integration, verification & validation (V&V), and delivery. The role includes regular interaction with customers and leadership, including preparation and delivery of technical briefings
Key Roles and Responsibilities
• Apply the full systems engineering lifecycle, including Concept development and system definition, Requirements development, decomposition, and allocation, Interface definition and management, Integration, verification, and validation planning and execution
• Develop Verification & Validation (V&V) strategies and plans, including Requirement Verification Plans and System Test & Verification Plans
• Work closely with test and specialty engineering teams to ensure test procedures correctly interpret and verify requirements
• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for internal and external system interfaces through internal coordination with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), suppliers, and customers, and through interface working groups
• Support development and documentation of system architectures and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) working with cross-functional teams to ensure the architecture supports performance, reliability, safety, and maintainability objectives
• Provide systems engineering input to design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and integration/test readiness reviews
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings to internal leadership and external customers.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) and 8 years of related engineering experience;
OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience;
OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience across the systems engineering lifecycle, including: Requirements development and decomposition, Requirements management and traceability, Verification & validation planning and execution
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, DOORS Next, or similar).
• Experience with ICD development and interface definition
• Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations to customers or leadership
• 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
Preferred Qualifications
• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
• Experience supporting major systems engineering milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Experience with system architecture development, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and/or CONOPS definition
• Hands-on experience with HW/SW integration and test, including test procedure development and discrepancy/anomaly resolution
• Familiarity with Agile development methods and/or CI/CD environments
• Experience coordinating with suppliers on technical requirements, interfaces, and verification expectations
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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 a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience, or master's degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years
- Experience across the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, decomposition, management, traceability, and verification and validation planning and execution
- Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or DOORS Next
- Experience developing Interface Control Documents and defining system interfaces
- Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations to customers or leadership
- Active U.S. government Top Secret SCI clearance with a background investigation within the past five years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) before employment begins
- Current applicable Special Access Program clearance
- Experience supporting systems engineering milestones such as SRR, PDR, and CDR
- Experience with system architecture development, model-based systems engineering, or CONOPS definition
- Hands-on hardware/software integration and test experience, including test procedure development and discrepancy or anomaly resolution
- Familiarity with Agile development methods or CI/CD environments
- Experience coordinating with suppliers on technical requirements, interfaces, and verification expectations
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.





