Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 5, Mission Modeling Simulation, located in Chandler, AZ. This position will support mission‑level and system‑level modeling, simulation, and analysis for advanced missile and interceptor systems. You will design and implement physics‑based models, construct mission and engagement scenarios, and perform quantitative analyses that support requirements development, design trades, and performance verification. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys hands‑on modeling and analysis while collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams.
This position is 100% on site in Chandler, AZ (strongly preferred). Remote candidates may also be considered
You will work with various engineering disciplines (systems, GNC, seeker/sensor, software, mission, integration & test, etc.) to:
Develop and integrate mission‑level and system‑level performance models, algorithms, and simulations of missiles, interceptors, sensors, threats, and command‑and‑control systems
Perform operations and behavior analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and assess architecture alternatives for delivering an effect or capability within a broader campaign, including end‑to‑end engagement and campaign‑level assessments
Implement algorithms and analysis scripts in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ or similar tools to support constructive and real‑time simulations
Build operationally relevant scenarios to assess end‑to‑end performance against representative air and missile threats
Perform trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and design of experiments to quantify performance, robustness, and mission utility
Document assumptions, methods, and results in clear technical reports and present findings to project teams and technical reviewers
Basic Qualifications
U.S. citizenship is required
Active US Government Secret security clearance
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Physics; Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; etc.) and 12 years of related experience in modeling and simulation or operations analysis; or Master’s degree and 10 years; or Ph.D. and 8 years
Demonstrated experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis for defense systems, preferably missiles, interceptors, or related weapon/mission systems
Hands‑on experience with operations analysis and/or virtual simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
Strong background in probability, statistics, and design of experiments applied to weapon system and mission performance
Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ or similar languages for algorithm development, model integration, scripting, and data analysis
Experience modeling operational environments and performing mission effectiveness trade studies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing complex analysis outcomes to program and customer leadership
Demonstrated resolve to drive tasks to completion, both independently and in collaborative teams, and possess strong mentoring / training skills
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret and/or Special Access Program (SAP) access; active TS/SAP is highly preferred
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
Missile/interceptor guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
RF or EO/IR seeker/sensor modeling
Integrated air defense systems (IADS) or threat modeling
Electronic attack, electronic protection, and countermeasures modeling
Survivability, lethality, and vulnerability analysis at the weapon or mission level
Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices (e.g., Cameo/SysML) and their use in linking models to requirements
Experience with real‑time simulation and man‑in‑the‑loop or hardware‑in‑the‑loop test environments
Experience working within an Agile development workflow using tools such as Jira and Bitbucket/Git
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The 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
- U.S. citizenship
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 12 years of related modeling and simulation or operations analysis experience; or master's degree and 10 years; or Ph.D. and 8 years
- Experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis for defense systems, preferably missiles, interceptors, or related weapon or mission systems
- Hands-on experience with operations analysis or virtual simulation tools such as AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, or MATLAB/Simulink
- Strong background in probability, statistics, and design of experiments applied to weapon system and mission performance
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C, C++, or similar languages for algorithm development, model integration, scripting, and data analysis
- Experience modeling operational environments and performing mission effectiveness trade studies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing complex analysis outcomes to program and customer leadership
- Ability to drive tasks to completion independently and collaboratively, with strong mentoring and training skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret and/or Special Access Program access
- Experience with missile or interceptor guidance, navigation, and control
- Experience with RF or EO/IR seeker or sensor modeling
- Experience with integrated air defense systems or threat modeling
- Experience with electronic attack, electronic protection, or countermeasures modeling
- Experience with survivability, lethality, or vulnerability analysis at the weapon or mission level
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and digital engineering practices, such as Cameo or SysML
- Experience with real-time simulation and man-in-the-loop or hardware-in-the-loop test environments
- Experience working within an Agile development workflow using Jira and Bitbucket or Git
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.









