The Flight Systems Futures operating unit within Strategic Deterrent Systems is seeking highly motivated Principal Systems Engineer to join a team at the forefront of next-generation hypersonic capabilities. Our team focuses on the design, development, and demonstration of hypersonic re-entry vehicles and advanced payloads, with an emphasis on rapid development and prototyping aligned to specific customer missions. We operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where innovative concepts are matured quickly into credible, testable solutions that address our nation’s most demanding strategic deterrence needs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Responsible Engineer for hardware and software items procured from external vendors or through internal work orders.
- Interpret technical data (drawings, datasheets, test reports) to assess applicability to the program’s requirement set.
- Partner with vendors to resolve technical challenges while protecting cost, schedule, and performance targets.
- Review and approve deliverables from the subcontract data requirements list
- Assist in managing subcontractor statement of works and subcontractor performance (may require travel to vendor location)
- Maintain configuration control and ensure all delivered items meet applicable Northrop Grumman engineering standards (CMMI, MILSTD498, etc.).
- Provide regular status reports and risk updates to program leadership.
- Participate in cross functional reviews (design, trade, verification) and support source selection activities as needed.
- Document decisions, nonconformances, and corrective actions in the program’s requirements traceability and configuration management tools.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 8 years of experience; or 6 years experience with a Master's (MS) degree; or 4 year experience with a STEM PhD
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.
- 3+ years experience to include full lifecycle work (concept, development, verification, sustainment), SysML based MBSE tools (IBM Rhapsody, Cameo, SysML v2) and the ability to develop and maintain system models.
- 3+ years experience in writing, managing, and tracing complex requirements (e.g., using DOORS, Jama, or Polarion), defining verification plans, test procedures, executing system level verification activities, and creating and governing ICDs for hardware, software, and external system interfaces.
- 3+ years experience managing external suppliers or subcontractors for complex, high-value hardware or services
- 3+ years experience reading and working with technical documentation (drawings, specs, statements of work) and flowing requirements to suppliers
- Strong skills in schedule and cost tracking, including use of standard business tools (ERP/MRP, Excel, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting hypersonic, missile, space, or other high-reliability flight hardware programs
- Background with complex, engineered hardware supply (e.g., precision machining, composites, high-temperature materials, electronics)
- Experience with long-lead and critical path management, including recovery planning for late or at-risk suppliers
- Familiarity with export/import constraints and working with suppliers under ITAR/EAR controls
- Experience leading supplier technical and programmatic reviews and coordinating with engineering/quality on requirements clarification
- Demonstrated success in risk management for suppliers (single/sole source, capacity, obsolescence, qualification status)
- Experience in a matrixed IPT environment, working closely with program management and engineering leadership
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This position’s standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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 in Systems, Software, or related STEM with 8 years experience; or Master's with 6 years; or PhD with 4 years
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application and ability to obtain/maintain SAP approval
- 3+ years full lifecycle systems work and experience with SysML-based MBSE tools (IBM Rhapsody, Cameo, SysML v2) and developing/maintaining system models
- 3+ years writing, managing, and tracing complex requirements using DOORS, Jama, or Polarion; defining verification plans and test procedures; executing system-level verification; creating/governing ICDs
- 3+ years managing external suppliers or subcontractors for complex, high-value hardware or services
- 3+ years reading and working with technical documentation (drawings, specs, statements of work) and flowing requirements to suppliers
- Strong skills in schedule and cost tracking, including use of standard business tools (ERP/MRP, Excel)
- Experience supporting hypersonic, missile, space, or other high-reliability flight hardware programs
- Background with complex engineered hardware supply (precision machining, composites, high-temperature materials, electronics)
- Experience with long-lead and critical path management, including recovery planning for late or at-risk suppliers
- Familiarity with export/import constraints and working with suppliers under ITAR/EAR controls
- Experience leading supplier technical and programmatic reviews and coordinating with engineering/quality on requirements clarification
- Demonstrated success in risk management for suppliers (single/sole source, capacity, obsolescence, qualification status)
- Experience in a matrixed IPT environment, working closely with program management and engineering leadership
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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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.
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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.
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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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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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