Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Configuration Manager

Location: Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA. Relocation assistance may be available. Requires active Secret clearance (investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) with ability to obtain Top Secret and SAP clearance. Travel: 25%.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. The team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management.

The Staff System Engineer–Configuration Management will support the Research and Advance Design Expendables Operating Unit. The Configuration Management lead is responsible for leading, executing, and optimizing all configuration management activities across the program lifecycle, ensuring the integrity, traceability, and control of program data, deliverables, Cameo models, and documentation in accordance with contractual and organizational standards.

Responsibilities

• CPLM / Configuration Control: Establish, maintain, and enforce effective configuration management processes using Collaborative Product Lifecycle Management (CPLM) systems. Oversee configuration change boards and ensure all engineering changes are properly controlled, tracked, and documented for the program.
• CDRL/SDRL Management: Own the delivery, tracking, and documentation of all Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Subcontract Data Requirements List (SDRL) deliverables. Coordinate with engineering and functional teams to ensure data package accuracy and timely submission to the customer and subcontractors.
• Cameo Control (MBSE): Manage configuration and version control for Cameo models (MBSE artifacts). Ensure Cameo model baselines, change history, and collaborative updates are properly maintained and integrated into program configuration management workflows.
• Data Management: Develop and manage workflows, version control, and data release protocols for all program documents, technical drawings, Cameo models, software baselines, and hardware items. Maintain the master document list and configuration status accounting.
• Agile Tool Sets: Manage documentation on Confluence and other similar tools.
• Baseline Establishment: Define and maintain program baselines throughout development phases (SRR, PDR, CDR, production, etc.), ensuring all changes are reviewed, approved, and recorded—including model-based baselines in Cameo.
• Audit & Compliance: Support and lead configuration audits, including functional, physical, and baseline audits. Ensure compliance with internal policies, customer requirements, and government regulations.
• Collaboration: Serve as the main configuration management interface to internal teams, subcontractors, and customers. Provide CM expertise to engineering, program management, quality, and supplier teams—including support for Cameo/MBSE team members.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to CM processes, tools, and policies to enhance efficiency and data integrity.
• Reporting: Generate regular configuration management status reports for program leadership and prepare inputs for major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, and production milestones).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in STEM Discipline and 8 years of related engineering, technical management, and/or related military experience OR Master of Science Degree in STEM and 6 years related experience, OR PhD in STEM and 4 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in configuration management within defense, aeronautics, or complex engineering environments.
• Experience in CPLM/PLM systems, Cameo (MBSE) version control, Confluence, and/or document/data management systems.
• Experience in US defense CDRL/SDRL processes and compliance requirements.
• Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret US Clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Primary Owner of CPLM tools.
• Experience Leading Customer Deliverables.
• Experience leading Change Control Boards.
• Experience with cradle-to-grave processes (conceptual design through production) for configuration management.
• Experience with Expendables/One-time-use missiles.
• Experience with the DoD acquisition lifecycle, classified program execution, and support to technical proposals, SOWs, and BOEs.
• Experience briefing results to senior leadership and government customers.
• Working knowledge of Aeronautical disciplines: Flight Sciences, Subsystems, Software, Structures, Vehicles, Test and Evaluation, Survivability, Mission Systems, Manufacturing and Production, Product Support, and Global Supply Chain.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman offers flexible work arrangements, a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan with company 401K matching, Company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and company results. Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00 per year. The above salary range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers.

Schedule

9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. Flexible work arrangements available.