Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer – Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Colorado Springs, CO.
Position Overview:
The Systems Engineer – Level 3 or 4 will support a growing portfolio of programs and IRADs that focus on missile defense, space, and intelligence and will support various modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) project teams performing systems engineering across the entire “systems engineering vee”.
Essential Functions:
This position will specifically focus on the development of systems engineering artifacts supporting multiple programs across the portfolio in various stages of the systems engineering life cycle.
Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Systems Engineer – Level 3 or a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer – Level 4.
Basic Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer – Level 3: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 3 years of related work experience, or 1 year of related work experience with a PhD in STEM.
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer – Level 4: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 6 years of related work experience, or 4 years of related work experience with a PhD in STEM.
Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility at the time of application, which is required to start
Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% to support business needs
Experience translating customer needs into a mature baselined set of requirements
Extensive experience developing a fully traceable system architecture utilizing the Systems Modeling Language (SysML)
Experience with formal verification and validation processes
Experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar programming languages for data analysis
Comfortable communicating technical information to technical and non-technical customers
Experience mentoring and developing junior-level engineers
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a team setting
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering
Experience using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK), or a similar mission-level modeling and simulation framework
Experience supporting proposals for capture efforts
Experience conducting trade studies and familiarity with trade study methodologies
Experience with formal verification and validation processes
Experience using MBSE architectural frameworks, such as DODAF/MODAF (or UPDM) or UAF
Experience using agile development methodologies
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Graduate Certificate
INCOSE ASEP/CSEP/ESEP certification
Object Modeling Group (OMG) Certified Systems Modeling Professional (OCSMP) Model Builder Fundamental Certification
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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 STEM and 5 years related work experience (Principal / Level 3)
- Master's Degree in STEM and 3 years related work experience (Principal / Level 3)
- PhD in STEM and 1 year related work experience (Principal / Level 3)
- Bachelor's Degree in STEM and 8 years related work experience (Sr. Principal / Level 4)
- Master's Degree in STEM and 6 years related work experience (Sr. Principal / Level 4)
- PhD in STEM and 4 years related work experience (Sr. Principal / Level 4)
- Current, active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (required to start)
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%
- Experience translating customer needs into a mature baselined set of requirements
- Extensive experience developing fully traceable system architecture utilizing SysML
- Experience with formal verification and validation processes
- Experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar programming languages for data analysis
- Experience mentoring and developing junior-level engineers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical customers
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a team setting
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
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.






