Staff Systems Engineer - Engineering Program Manager

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 - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. 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 — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) is responsible for leading end-to-end engineering execution across the full program lifecycle. The EPM ensures the integrated engineering team delivers on cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role works in close partnership with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to drive program success and meet commitments. EPMs are essential to strengthening how we execute—bringing consistency, rigor, and visibility across all engineering efforts on a program.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location. Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance is required for start: Yes (Secret). Travel: Yes, approximately 10% of the time. U.S. Citizenship is required. The position is contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customer requirements prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering execution across the entire program lifecycle (capture through delivery)
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance with disciplined execution
• Integrate across all engineering functions and partner organizations (GSC, MFG, MA) to ensure cohesive program alignment
• Enable data-informed decisions using program metrics and performance indicators
• Ensure adherence and appropriate rigor to all engineering processes
• Partner with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to align technical scope, staffing, and execution plans
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks and issues early
• Drive milestone reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with clear entry/exit criteria and readiness

Requirements

• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 8+ years of related experience
• 5+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phases
• Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
• Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance

Qualifications

• Experience using metrics to drive decisions and program outcomes
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills including presentation experience briefing senior levels of leadership, both internal and external
• 9+ years engineering experience, including 5+ years leading multi‑discipline engineering teams
• Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal/requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
• Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
• Experience decomposing requirements for DoD‑based platforms or systems
• Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo); ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
• Strong understanding of engineering execution across the full program lifecycle (beyond task tracking or a single discipline)
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions, sites, and stakeholders
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman processes and operating procedures
• CAM certification with experience in ETCs and CEACs (or demonstrated experience performing CAM responsibilities)
• Demonstrated success guiding teams through proposals and Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation, program planning including start‑up, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), milestone or gate reviews and through all execution phases
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance

Benefits

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.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $169