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Jobs · Information Technology · Arizona

Systems Engineer Level 5 - Ground Test IPT lead

Northrop Grumman · Chandler, AZ · 1 wk ago
On-siteInformation Technology$153k–$229k/yrFull-time

Relocation assistance may be available. U.S. citizenship and an active Secret security clearance are required; ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) is necessary. Travel is expected at 10% of the time.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman - Launch Vehicles Division is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 5 - Ground Test IPT Lead in Chandler, Arizona. This high-visibility position requires a technical and leadership expert to guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams in designing, integrating, and delivering 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 Ground Test events.

You will be responsible for planning the schedule, developing ground test-specific requirements, designing, overseeing hardware integration, and executing ground test operations culminating in test execution and post-test reporting. This includes bespoke design, test planning, and execution of ground test events through Navy Certification, as well as developing integration concepts of operation (CONOP) and serving as the primary interface for ground test events for the customer.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a High-Performing Team: Coordinate a cross-functional engineering team in a high-visibility and fast-paced program environment. Collaborate with diverse groups including Engineering & Program Management, Software and Hardware Engineers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance teams.
  • Be a Key Liaison: Work closely with U.S. and Japanese partners, fostering teamwork and collaboration in both domestic and international settings to meet technical and programmatic goals related to MDA/Navy Ground Test and Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Qualification Testing.
  • Deliver End-to-End Solutions: Drive the test and support equipment design effort across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring the development and integration of several delivered components and subsystems.
  • Solve Complex Challenges: Apply organizational and technical problem-solving skills to ensure successful execution of system designs while addressing development risks and emerging challenges in real-time.
  • Communicate at all Levels: Provide technical leadership and support for internal and external executive briefings, including program updates, engineering reviews, and risk management discussions.
  • Maintain High Standards: Thrive in a high-expectation environment, demonstrating initiative, meticulous attention to detail, and polished verbal and written communication skills.
  • Leadership and Team Management:
    • Serve as the technical and leadership authority for the Ground Test IPT team, delivering on challenging performance, schedule, and cost objectives.
    • Engage, inspire, and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program milestones, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all stakeholders.
    • Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, mentorship, and collaboration across internal teams and external partnerships.
  • System-Level Design Optimization:
    • Apply systems engineering principles to balance multi-discipline trade-offs between mechanical, electrical, software, propulsion, electro-optical, and manufacturing teams.
    • Optimize ground test execution by managing diverse requirements, mitigating risks, and resolving system integration challenges.
    • Conduct structured trade studies to inform design decisions with practical and achievable solutions that enhance overall reliability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Subsystem Integration and Testing:
    • Collaborate with the Interceptor Pillar PMO and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO) Pillar PMO to integrate Navy Ground and SMC Qualification test configurations, including radio, controller, optical seeker and sensor systems, balancing critical thermal, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.
    • Manage technical planning, design, and execution of rigorous subsystem and system-level test campaigns under flight-representative conditions to validate ground and hypersonic system performance.
  • Stakeholder Management and Communication:
    • Serve as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders, preparing and delivering clear communication on 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 maintain alignment and 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.
  • Must have an active US Government Secret Security Clearance and the 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 in 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; 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.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

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