Senior Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company dedicated to delivering innovative systems that impact people worldwide, both today and in the future. Renowned for milestones such as the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, development of stealth bombers, and landing on the moon, Northrop Grumman has a proud legacy of pioneering technological advancements. The company’s culture champions intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and the inclusion of every employee’s unique perspective. Employees at Northrop Grumman are not only part of history but actively contribute to making history through their bold ideas, courage, and inventive spirit.

The role of Senior Principal Systems Engineer within Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is an exciting opportunity for skilled professionals to join a diverse and talented team. This position is located in multiple locations including Oklahoma City, OK; Melbourne, FL; Rancho Bernardo, CA; and Palmdale, CA. The Senior Principal Systems Engineer acts as an individual contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team and plays a vital part in conducting rigorous research, developing requirements, designing models, defining interfaces, and performing detailed analyses. The work is carried out within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) framework focused on driving the development and refinement of current program requirements as well as influencing future technologies and capabilities.

The job responsibilities encompass collaboration across diverse engineering disciplines and technology areas, integrating and clearly communicating technical analyses and capabilities with both internal stakeholders and external customers. The role involves leading major milestone events, managing key interfaces, and maintaining Systems Engineering artifacts with adherence to configuration management protocols. The Senior Principal Systems Engineer ensures program requirements are satisfied and makes data-driven recommendations to a range of audiences, technical and non-technical alike. Leadership responsibilities include managing Control Accounts, ensuring delivery within budget and schedule, and applying Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles. The candidate will orchestrate risk and opportunity management practices, facilitate integration across programs, and coordinate communication strategies with stakeholders to keep projects aligned and on track.

Northrop Grumman offers competitive compensation for this role with a salary range between $116,300.00 and $213,400.00, acknowledging factors such as candidate experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Benefits include overtime eligibility, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, company-paid holidays, paid time off, health and life insurance, disability coverage, and savings plans. Additionally, the company follows a 9/80 work schedule providing every other Friday off, foster a friendly and collaborative team environment, and provide outstanding learning opportunities. Candidates must have or the ability to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance and be prepared for some travel (10% of the time). Relocation assistance may be available to qualified applicants. Northrop Grumman prides itself on equal employment opportunities and inclusiveness. U.S. citizenship is required for this role due to government clearance obligations.