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Posted July 01, 2026
Northrop Grumman

Sr. Staff Systems Engineer - R10238351

Northrop Grumman
Dulles, VA, US Full Time
$192800 - $289200
Reference: R10238351
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: No

Description

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 - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. 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. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Sr. Staff Systems Engineer Level 5 to join our team in Dulles, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Responsibilities include both individual-contributor and leadership roles, within a multi-disciplined engineering team. Successful candidate will also be called upon to support other activities, including architecture studies, mission support, and traditional Systems Engineering functions. In this leadership level role, the Lead Systems Engineer is expected to be self-directed using previous experience to lead design, analysis and execution efforts. Candidates must be able to recognize and mitigate space segment technical issues and risks while operating within budget and on schedule.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Lead/Provide major support to the entire space segment technical team.

  • Lead and optimize space vehicle design, processing and mission success.

  • Troubleshoot and develop solutions to complex problems that the program may encounter.

  • Develop, author and/or provide input to major program data products and other deliverables.

  • Technical management of program elements

  • Plan and conduct of reviews and technical baseline

  • Write status and technical performance reviews and reports

  • Mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise junior staff

  • The candidate will work with cross-discipline team members and must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse community of engineers and managers to achieve the goals of the program team

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 14 years of professional experience or Master’s degree with 12 years of professional experience or PhD with 10 years of professional experience

  • Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills and technical presentation experience

  • Complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines

  • Must be proactive. Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions

  • Ability to lead a diverse multi-discipline Engineering team

 Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Master’s Degree in Engineering

  • Experience in system architecture & CONOPs development

  • Experience in systems engineering and integration of complex systems, including space systems development, manufacture, test or operations, including previous technical or project leadership positions

  • Understanding of spacecraft detailed design, integration & test

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

#NOVASPACE

Primary Level Salary Range: $192,800.00 - $289,200.00

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. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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