Sr Staff Engineer - Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Cincinnati, OH +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Sr. Staff Systems Architect for the Neptune Phoenix Program at Northrop Grumman, focusing on designing and integrating ground- and platform-based collection systems. The role involves defining system architecture, CONOPS, KPPs, and ensuring alignment with roadmaps and product lines. Requires a Top Secret clearance and experience in defense contracting.

What you'd actually do

  1. Define mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS), KPPs and associated Technical Performances Measurements (TPMs)
  2. Define the Operations Concept (OPSCON) for the system(s) in relation to the CONOPS
  3. Create, evolve, and maintain system architecture
  4. Support the Chief Engineer in discussions of system architecture with the Customer
  5. Cross-project technical alignment and coordinate common architecture solutions across projects

Skills

Required

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 14 years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Significant years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD, LRIP or Operation/Sustainment phases
  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal and requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
  • Demonstrable experience leading complex engineering projects in production environments
  • Experience leading Agile development projects
  • Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs

Nice to have

  • Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR sensor systems, RF sensor systems, centralized cloud-based platforms (AWS GovCloud) that manage aggregated data and user interfaces
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Demonstrated expertise in Systems Engineering, SysML modeling, and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
  • Experience implementing Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) development methodology
  • M.S., M.B.A., or other advanced degree
  • Experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in support of achieving Authority to Operate (ATO)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated technical leadership skills, decisiveness, and ability to make sound technical judgments with limited information
  • Proven ability to represent organizational capabilities to customers and stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively across technical and program leadership

What the JD emphasized

  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Significant years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD, LRIP or Operation/Sustainment phases
  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal and requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
  • Demonstrable experience leading complex engineering projects in production environments
  • Experience leading Agile development projects