Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Posted Yesterday
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San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
142K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Performs systems engineering across the full lifecycle, including technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, requirements management, risk analysis, architecture development, interface definition, and system-level trade studies. Leads technical reviews, develops MBSE and SysML models, translates customer requirements into hardware and software specifications, and collaborates with engineering teams and stakeholders on complex system-of-systems programs.
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.

Performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems. Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detailed trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.

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 Secret (or higher) 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 with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML—creating and maintaining SysML models and using MBSE to support requirements, design, and verification.
  • Must have experience with requirements management (tools such as DOORS, Polarion, or equivalent), including requirements decomposition and traceability.
  • Must have experience in risk management methods (e.g., FMEA, FTA, risk registers) and applying risk-informed design decisions.
  • Must have experience developing system architectures, interface control documents (ICDs), and performing system-level trade studies.
  • Must have familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle processes (V-model) and standards (e.g., INCOSE SE Handbook).
  • Must have excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills; ability to present complex technical material clearly.

Preferred Qualifications:


  • Complete understanding and wide application of the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, integration, test, and verification. General knowledge of other related performance analysis techniques/disciplines.
  • Displays Technical and program review board leadership. Provides technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives.
  • Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Supports chief engineers in defect analysis and path forwards
  • Contributes to the completion of Change Proposal Development and Risk Management and Opportunity analysis.
  • Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
  • Collaborate with program IPT counterparts to develop rigorous and proper systems engineering and design analysis artifacts.
  • Work with technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature design of a large program with System of Systems (SoS)
  • Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model.
  • Contribute to system requirements development, management, and performance analysis.
  • Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration), and performance analysis of the system

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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 of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional or military experience, or a STEM master's degree and 6 years of experience, or a STEM Ph.D. and 4 years of experience
  • Active US Government Secret or higher security clearance, with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML, including creating and maintaining SysML models
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Polarion, or equivalent, including requirements decomposition and traceability
  • Experience with risk management methods including FMEA, FTA, and risk registers
  • Experience developing system architectures, interface control documents, and performing system-level trade studies
  • Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle processes such as the V-model and standards such as the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
  • Complete understanding and broad application of systems engineering lifecycle processes, including requirements analysis, design, integration, testing, and verification
  • Technical and program review board leadership experience
  • Experience with change proposal development and risk and opportunity analysis
  • Experience collaborating with program integrated product team counterparts on systems engineering and design analysis artifacts
  • Experience with system-of-systems design and model development 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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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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