Sr Staff Engineer - Systems Architect

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Cincinnati, OH, USA
In-Office
175K-263K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead system architecture for Neptune Phoenix program: define CONOPS, KPPs/TPMs, OPSCOn, and maintain system-of-systems architecture. Coordinate cross-project alignment, support Chief Engineer and customer discussions, and drive MBSE-based design, verification, integration, and sustainment to meet operational requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Sr. Staff System Architect (SA) for the Neptune Phoenix Program within the Xetron Operating Unit (OU) in Cincinnati, OH.

The Neptune Phoenix program provides sustainment for our existing prototype portfolio while driving development, production, and operational support for the next generation of technical collection capabilities. The team designs and integrates ground‑ and platform‑based collection systems built on model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), open architectures, and open standards.

The Systems Architect within Neptune Phoenix  serves as the authority for the system architecture and design, and owns responsibility to create, evolve, and maintain the architecture of the system to meet operational needs. The System Architect also owns responsibility for maintaining alignment between the appropriate solution and internal roadmaps, product lines or common components or sub-systems. 

Essential Duties:

  • Define mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS), KPPs and associated Technical Performances Measurements (TPMs)
  • Define the Operations Concept (OPSCON) for the system(s) in relation to the CONOPS
  • Create, evolve, and maintain system architecture
  • Support the Chief Engineer in discussions of system architecture with the Customer
  • Cross-project technical alignment and coordinate common architecture solutions across projects
  • Evolve and enhance the customer’s suite of disparate capabilities into a system of systems in order to meet current and merging mission objectives into capability, availability, reliability and security.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 14 years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (U.S. Citizenship is a prerequisite).
  • Significant years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD, LRIP or Operation/Sustainment phases
  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal and requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
  • Demonstrable experience leading complex engineering projects in production environments
  • Experience leading Agile development projects
  • Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR sensor systems, RF sensor systems, centralized cloud-based platforms (AWS GovCloud) that manage aggregated data and user interfaces
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Demonstrated expertise in Systems Engineering, 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 implementing Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) development methodology
  • M.S., M.B.A., or other advanced degree
  • Experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in support of achieving Authority to Operate (ATO)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated technical leadership skills, decisiveness, and ability to make sound technical judgments with limited information
  • Proven ability to represent organizational capabilities to customers and stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively across technical and program leadership

 

Primary Level Salary Range: $175,300.00 - $262,900.00

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

  • BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM with 14 years related experience; MS with 12+ years; or PhD with 10+ years
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (U.S. Citizenship required)
  • Significant engineering experience at a defense contractor during EMD, LRIP or Operations/Sustainment phases
  • Experience across engineering lifecycle from proposal and requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding
  • Demonstrable experience leading complex engineering projects in production environments
  • Experience leading Agile development projects
  • Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time
  • Experience in Systems Engineering Integration & Test (EOIR, RF sensor systems, cloud-based platforms such as AWS GovCloud)
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD platforms or systems
  • Expertise in Systems Engineering, SysML modeling, and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo)
  • Experience implementing Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
  • M.S., M.B.A., or other advanced degree
  • Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) to support Authority to Operate (ATO)
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Technical leadership, decisiveness, and sound technical judgement with limited information
  • Proven ability to represent organizational capabilities to customers and stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills across technical and program 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.

  • 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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