The Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU); Advanced Programs group has an opening for a Staff Systems Engineer - Level 5. Join our high performing software team as the primary systems engineer and come make history with us! The position is located on-site in Boulder, CO. Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver.
Position Overview:
The Systems Engineering role will include working directly with the team to research, define and shape requirements, while also leveraging the candidate’s expertise with government mission architectures to advance the business. The candidate’s innovative approach will allow them to research competing technologies, develop new strategies, enhance current system capabilities, and enable the proposition and execution of new ideas. Reporting through written and verbal communication to both internal and external stakeholders will be essential for strategy dissemination. Daily interactions collaborating with multi-functional engineering teams, as well as, internal and external stakeholders’ engagement will be essential for success.
Essential Functions:
- Data Processing and Analysis: Utilize advanced data processing techniques to analyze diverse space domain awareness data, encompassing various phenomenologies and mission sectors.
- System Engineering: Engage with ground and space data processing systems to identify opportunities for enhancement together with traditional Systems Engineering activities. Examples: ICD development between multiple subsystems; Working with systems level team to define and refine requirements flowed to our subsystem; ensure interfaces meet requirements; Defining and refining test requirements for our system; Working with test engineer(s) to verify test requirements at I&T phase of the program; Support customer-level briefings and shaping of future program opportunities; Flow and understand performance requirements to leads for analysis
- Relationship Building: Cultivate strong and collaborative relationships within the sector and beyond, fostering effective teamwork and cooperation with other sectors for enhanced outcomes.
- Capability Improvement: Drive innovation within the sector by enhancing, documenting, and sharing new capabilities and technologies to propel growth and advancements in space domain awareness.
- Presentations: Develop and deliver impactful presentations tailored to peers, management, and customers, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
- Business Support: Contribute to new business endeavors through adept proposal writing and accurate cost/schedule estimations, facilitating the growth and success of initiatives within the sector.
Basic Qualifications:
- Staff Systems Engineer – Level 5 : Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 10 years of related experience, or 8 years of experience with a PhD in STEM.
- Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
- Experience leading technical teams with confidence in team building
- Experience with requirement identifications and creating program system engineering diagrams
- Prior customer engagement experience briefing internal business leadership & external government agencies
Preferred Skills:
- Experience authoring Basis of Estimate (BOE) and proposal submissions (BOE, BAA, RFI, RFP)
- Knowledge of Command and Control (C2) systems
- Knowledge of C++, python, and DevSecOps development environments
- Exposure to a range of phenomonologies (i.e. OPIR, Radar, Passive & Active RF, EO etc.)
- Experience with object tracking algorithms and methodologies
- Prior experience transitioning IRAD/CRAD programs to programs of record
- Experience with government acquisition vehicles for funding programs across government agencies
- Experience with Agile program execution (Tools for Agile, JIRA, Confluence)
- Experience with microservice based scaling architectures (Kubernetes, Docker, Podman)
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Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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 12 years of related experience; or a master’s degree in STEM and 10 years of related experience; or a PhD in STEM and 8 years of experience.
- Current active, in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Experience leading technical teams and building teams.
- Experience identifying requirements and creating program systems engineering diagrams.
- Prior experience briefing internal business leadership and external government agencies.
- Experience authoring Basis of Estimate documents and proposal submissions, including BAA, RFI, and RFP responses.
- Knowledge of Command and Control systems.
- Knowledge of C++, Python, and DevSecOps development environments.
- Exposure to OPIR, radar, passive and active RF, EO, or other phenomenologies.
- Experience with object tracking algorithms and methodologies.
- Experience transitioning IRAD or CRAD programs to programs of record.
- Experience with government acquisition vehicles for funding programs across government agencies.
- Experience with Agile program execution and tools such as JIRA and Confluence.
- Experience with microservice-based scaling architectures using Kubernetes, Docker, or Podman.
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.
