Systems Engineer Level 6 - Software IPT lead

Relocation assistance may be available. Secret clearance required for start. Travel: 10% of the time.

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.

Northrop Grumman - Launch Vehicles Division is hiring a Systems Engineer Level 6 - Software IPT lead, located in Chandler, Arizona. This high-visibility position requires a technical and leadership expert capable of guiding the software and firmware teams to design, integrate, and deliver software for the interceptor, flight test vehicles, ground support, and unique test equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong, broad development experience with a deep understanding of embedded software, firmware, integration, and testing, as well as experience integrating safety and security into application and software products.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Leader of the technical, cost, schedule, and resource execution for the IPT activities.
• Collaborate with other IPT leads to understand the program's software needs and drive development schedules to support overall program success.
• Work with your team leads to understand risks, drive technical solutions, and identify and execute risk mitigation activities.
• Work closely with the flight test and ground test IPT leads to understand their software needs and schedules to ensure ground and flight test operations are supported while delivering software products that support overall program schedule milestones.
• Lead a high-performing team: coordinate an engineering team in a high-visibility and fast-paced program environment.
• Collaborate with diverse groups including Engineering & Program Management, Algorithm and Electrical Engineers, and Mission Assurance teams.
• Solve complex challenges: apply your organizational and technical problem-solving skills to ensure successful software product 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 Software development, 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.
• Lead long-range software development planning to support technology maturation and new capability development, ground and flight test activities, and tactical software qualification and deployment.

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 stakeholders to align technical requirements and delivery schedules with program milestones.
• Foster collaborative, trust-based relationships with internal and external partners to maintain alignment and ensure mission success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 14 years of experience, master's degree with 12 years of experience, or Ph.D. with 10 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 Security Secret Clearance and ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Understanding of Government 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.
• An interest in and an 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: $166,500.00 - $249,700.00. 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.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you 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.