Principal Systems Engineer - 19029

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires a current/active US Government Secret clearance (or higher) for start; must be able to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Travel: 25%.

About the role

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. 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. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals. The Flight Systems Futures Operating Unit within Strategic Deterrent Systems is seeking a 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.

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, MIL-STD-498, etc.).
• Provide regular status reports and risk updates to the Talon 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM field with 5 years of experience; or 3 years experience with a Master's (MS) degree; or 1 year experience with a STEM PhD.
• Must be a US Citizen with a current/active US Government Top Secret clearance renewed or initiated within the last 6 years.
• Must currently have SAP or must be able to obtain and maintain SAP.
• 3+ years experience to include full lifecycle work (concept, development, verification, sustainment).
• 3+ years experience with 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to produce clear technical documentation and present to senior leadership and customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience conducting lab-based hardware demonstrations and integrating system models with test rigs.
• Direct exposure to Nuclear Surety and Nuclear Safety systems (e.g., NQA-1, DOE safety standards).
• Familiarity with model-based test generation and automated test frameworks.
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman engineering standards (CMMI, DO-178C, MIL-STD-498, NQA-1) and safety-critical development practices.
• Basic proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation.
• Professional certifications (e.g., INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional, Certified MBSE Professional).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Schedule

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.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00. 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.