Command and Control Enclave (c2e) Architect - Sr. Principal Engineer Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · El Segundo, CA +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Seeking a Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect to lead contract-specific trade studies, define system integration approaches, and develop architectural strategies for Command and Control Enclave (C2E) systems within the Research and Advanced Design organization. Requires a strong background in system architecture, large system development, integration, and test processes, with an active Top Secret clearance.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead contract-specific trade studies and technical assessments to evaluate alternative design approaches, ensuring optimal performance, cost effectiveness, and alignment with C2E requirements.
  2. Develop and refine architectural strategies for hardware, software, support systems, and networking elements that underpin C2E.
  3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and validate system requirements, ensuring seamless integration and proper testing throughout the system lifecycle.
  4. Analyze system performance, interface compatibility, and payload integration to deliver robust and scalable architecture solutions specific to C2E operations.
  5. Serve as the primary technical point-of-contact for inquiries related to the architectural direction and trade study outcomes, facilitating clear and effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience
  • active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • experience in large system development, integration, and test processes, with a strong emphasis on technical analysis and trade studies.
  • ability to drive technical initiatives as an individual contributor, managing complex tasks with minimal supervision.
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with customers, cross-functional teams, and management.
  • background in system architecture, with experience in software, hardware, networking, and/or related engineering disciplines.
  • familiarity with various phases of engineering including concept development, testing, integration, and/or operational execution.

Nice to have

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a STEM field
  • Experience in developing technical proposals and statements of work related to DoD contracts.
  • Well-versed in DoD systems engineering requirements and agile engineering methodologies.
  • Understanding of earned value management, control account management, and digital transformation strategies.
  • Knowledge of cyber protocols, network architecture, and data processing operations.

What the JD emphasized

  • Top Secret clearance
  • SAP clearance
  • large system development, integration, and test processes
  • technical analysis and trade studies
  • individual contributor
  • minimal supervision
  • system architecture