Systems Engineer Level 5 - Flight Test IPT lead

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active US Government Secret Security Clearance and ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP). Travel: 10% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman - Launch Vehicles Division is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 5 - Flight Test IPT Lead in Chandler, Arizona. This high-visibility position requires a technical and leadership expert capable of guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams to design, integrate, and deliver cutting-edge kill vehicle systems for hypersonic environments. The ideal candidate will have strong avionics design expertise, a deep understanding of hypersonic system challenges, and proven program management abilities to balance cost, schedule, and quality in executing Flight Test events.

Serve as the leader for technical, cost, schedule, and resource execution for all Flight Test activities. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify test objectives, derive mission-specific requirements, and lead the team to design, build, test, and integrate mission-specific hardware and software. Lead the development of mission-specific integration and test procedures, execute integration and testing of the mission vehicle, deploy to the launch site to coordinate field campaign support, and perform post-flight analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team in a fast-paced program environment, coordinating with diverse groups including Engineering & Program Management, Software and Hardware Engineers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance teams.
• Serve as a key liaison with U.S. and Japanese partners to meet technical and programmatic goals for the GPI Flight Test Program.
• Drive the test and support equipment design effort across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring development and integration of delivered components and subsystems.
• Apply organizational and technical problem-solving skills to ensure successful execution of system designs while addressing development risks and emerging challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and support for internal and external executive briefings, including program updates, engineering reviews, and risk management discussions.
• Serve as the technical and leadership authority for the Flight Test IPT team, delivering on performance, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Engage, inspire, and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program milestones with clear communication and alignment.
• Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, mentorship, and collaboration across internal teams and external partnerships.
• Apply systems engineering principles to balance multi-discipline trade-offs between mechanical, electrical, software, propulsion, electro-optical, and manufacturing teams.
• Optimize flight test execution by managing requirements, mitigating risks, and resolving system integration challenges.
• Conduct structured trade studies to inform design decisions that enhance reliability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Performance Pillar PMO, Interceptor Pillar PMO, and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO) Pillar PMO to assemble, test, and launch GPI Flight Test configurations, including radio, controller, optical seeker, and sensor systems.
• Manage technical planning, design, and execution of subsystem and system-level test campaigns under flight-representative conditions.
• Serve as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders, communicating risks, trade-offs, decisions, and successes.
• Partner with internal program management and external vendors to align technical requirements and delivery schedules with program milestones.
• Foster collaborative, trust-based relationships with U.S. and international partners to ensure mission success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of experience, master's degree with 10 years of experience, or Ph.D. with 8 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active US Government Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Understanding of DoD systems engineering requirements.
• Experience as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Technical Lead, or other leadership role in a program office or business function with demonstrated team building, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with the technical development and direction for many aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.
• Experience with developing and executing project schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or other related technical fields.
• Active US Government Top Secret Security Clearance or higher, SAP access(es), and/or SCI access.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Interest and aptitude for customer engagements at technical and programmatic levels.
• Experience as a Control Account Manager (CAM) managing Earned Value Management System (EVMS) projects.
• Domain expertise in defense sensor systems.
• Experience with the technical development and direction for all aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.
• Experience coordinating with external subcontractors, primes, and/or suppliers.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; base salary offers consider the scope and responsibilities of the position, 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.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help employees thrive at work and in life, including:

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.