📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Staff Systems Engineer - Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems)
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Gilbert, AZ, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineering, Space Systems
Date Posted: June 11, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage the Systems Engineering technical team for a space vehicle in the National Security Space business area.
Develop and execute solutions to complex analytical, design, and test problems, while operating within budget and on schedule.
Collaborate with a diverse community of engineers, managers, and customers to achieve program goals and mission success.
Mentor, coach, train, guide, direct, and advise junior staff in systems engineering principles and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with experience in technical or project leadership positions, to successfully lead the Systems Engineering technical team and contribute to mission success.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate Vehicle Systems engineering activities, including systems analysis and trades, engineering baseline management, interface management, requirements/V&V management, and subcontractor technical oversight.
Develop and manage system interfaces to integrate multi-element systems and ensure proper functioning of the space vehicle.
Plan and conduct technical reviews and technical baseline, as well as write status and technical performance reviews and reports.
Author and/or provide input to major program data products and other deliverables, such as proposals and funded studies.
Support new business activities, including conceptual design and analysis for proposals and funded studies.
Assist in mission support and traditional Systems Engineering functions as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad understanding of space systems design, development, manufacture, or test, including technical or project leadership positions, to effectively manage the space vehicle's technical team and ensure mission success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 14+ years of experience, or a master's degree with 12+ years of experience.

Experience:

Proven experience in space systems design, development, manufacture, or test, including technical or project leadership positions.
Strong background in systems engineering, including architectural studies, technical baseline definition, requirements & interface management, hardware/software integration, test planning & execution, or operational support.
Experience in technical or project leadership positions.
Experience and/or training in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).

Required Skills:

Proficiency in systems engineering principles and practices.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse community of stakeholders.
Knowledge of satellite functions, including attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software.
Experience in space system testing and evaluation (flight and ground testing).

Preferred Skills:

Experience with space systems development.
Knowledge of orbital mechanics, orbital debris modeling, spacecraft attitude control, power systems and modeling, avionics or digital electronics design, risk analysis, optics, communications, rocket propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing.
Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI, Space Environments (Radiation, Surface Charging, etc.), Mission Operations and Human Factors.
Active or current Top Secret/SCI Clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background and leadership experience to effectively lead the Systems Engineering technical team and contribute to mission success. Preferred skills indicate a well-rounded candidate with experience in various aspects of space systems engineering.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in space systems design, development, manufacture, or test through relevant projects and case studies.
- Showcase technical leadership and problem-solving skills through past projects and accomplishments.
- Highlight experience in systems engineering principles and practices, including requirements management, interface management, and test planning.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of technical documentation, such as system requirements specifications, interface control documents, and test plans.
- Demonstrate experience in earned value management systems (EVMS) through relevant documentation and project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $162,500.00 - $243,700.00 per year

Benefits:

Health Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Savings Plan
Company Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime and shift differential based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Northrop Grumman also offers a variety of benefits, including annual bonuses, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentives for certain positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on developing and manufacturing advanced technologies for various government and commercial customers.
Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large corporation with approximately 90,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939 and has since grown to become a leading global aerospace and defense technology company.

Team Structure:

The Systems Engineering team is responsible for leading the technical aspects of the space vehicle's development, including systems analysis, requirements management, interface management, and test planning.
The team works closely with various stakeholders, including program management, customers, and SETAs (Scientific, Engineering, Technical, and Administrative personnel), to ensure mission success.
The team may consist of engineers with diverse backgrounds, such as mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering.

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman follows a structured Systems Engineering process, which includes system requirements definition, architecture development, detailed design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and deployment.
The company employs Agile methodologies for software development and other iterative processes for hardware development, as appropriate.
Northrop Grumman also emphasizes Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) to monitor and control project progress and costs.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. The company values employees who are passionate about solving complex problems and driving mission success. The team structure and development methodology reflect Northrop Grumman's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and affordable products and services to its customers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strong background in systems engineering and technical leadership experience. The role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Systems Engineering discipline and the broader aerospace and defense industry.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Staff Systems Engineer reports directly to the Program Manager or a senior member of the Systems Engineering team. The role may also involve managing and mentoring junior Systems Engineering team members.

Technical Impact: The Senior Staff Systems Engineer plays a critical role in the success of the space vehicle's development and mission. The role requires a deep understanding of space systems engineering principles and practices, as well as the ability to make informed technical decisions that balance performance, cost, and schedule considerations.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop and enhance technical skills in space systems engineering, as well as gain experience in technical leadership and project management.
Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Staff Systems Engineer may progress to roles such as Principal Systems Engineer, Chief Systems Engineer, or other senior leadership positions within Northrop Grumman or the broader aerospace and defense industry.
Technical Leadership: The role provides opportunities to mentor and coach junior team members, helping them develop their technical skills and advance their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the Systems Engineering discipline and the broader aerospace and defense industry. The role's technical impact and growth opportunities are directly tied to the candidate's ability to lead the Systems Engineering technical team and contribute to mission success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's office environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation and customer success. The company encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Office Location(s): Northrop Grumman's Gilbert, AZ office is located at 1100 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The office features open workspaces, conference rooms, and collaboration areas to facilitate teamwork and communication among employees.
Development Tools: Northrop Grumman provides its employees with access to the tools and resources needed to perform their jobs effectively, including software development environments, simulation tools, and testing equipment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The office encourages collaboration and communication with other departments, such as mechanical engineering, software development, and program management, to ensure seamless integration and successful mission execution.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the possibility of overtime and shift differential based on business needs. The role may also require occasional travel to support mission-critical activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The company's office location, workspace context, and work schedule provide employees with the resources and support needed to succeed in their roles and contribute to mission success.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role.
Technical Interview: A comprehensive technical interview focused on the candidate's systems engineering background, technical leadership experience, and problem-solving skills. Topics may include:
- Space systems engineering principles and practices
- Requirements management and interface management
- Test planning and execution
- Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
- Technical leadership and project management
- Space vehicle systems and mission support
On-site Interview: A day-long on-site interview, including:
- Technical deep dive: A detailed discussion of the candidate's technical expertise and experience in space systems engineering.
- Behavioral interviews: Assess the candidate's fit with Northrop Grumman's culture, as well as their problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
- Meeting with key stakeholders: Introduce the candidate to key team members, program management, and customers to assess their fit within the organization.
Final Decision: Northrop Grumman will make a final hiring decision based on the candidate's technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects and accomplishments that demonstrate the candidate's technical leadership and problem-solving skills in space systems engineering.
Prepare a portfolio that showcases the candidate's experience in requirements management, interface management, test planning, and earned value management systems (EVMS).
Tailor the portfolio to the specific role and company, emphasizing the candidate's fit with Northrop Grumman's mission and values.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on space systems engineering principles and practices, as well as technical leadership and project management skills.
Review relevant technical standards, guidelines, and best practices for space systems engineering.
Prepare for questions on space vehicle systems, mission support, and earned value management systems (EVMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's mission and values. The portfolio review tips and technical challenge preparation guidance help candidates present their best selves and demonstrate their fit for the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Space Vehicle Systems:

Attitude Control Systems (ACS)
Power Management Systems (PMS)
Thermal Control Systems (TCS)
Propulsion Systems
Command and Data Handling (C&DH) Systems
Flight and Ground Software
Launch Vehicles
System Safety and Reliability
Contamination Control
EMI/EMC
Space Environments (Radiation, Surface Charging, etc.)
Mission Operations and Human Factors

Systems Engineering Tools:

Requirements Management Tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama)
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Tools (e.g., SysML, UML)
Simulation and Analysis Tools (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS)
Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) Tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack and web infrastructure for this role are focused on space vehicle systems and the tools required to design, develop, test, and deploy these systems. The candidate should have a strong background in space systems engineering and experience with relevant tools and technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Northrop Grumman Values:

Customer Focus: Northrop Grumman is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, providing innovative solutions, and delivering exceptional value.
Honesty and Integrity: The company fosters a culture of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior, expecting employees to act with the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.
Accountability: Northrop Grumman holds its employees accountable for their actions and decisions, encouraging a sense of ownership and responsibility for the company's success.
Diversity and Inclusion: The company values diversity and inclusion, fostering an inclusive work environment that respects and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of its employees.
Innovation: Northrop Grumman encourages creativity, innovation, and continuous learning, empowering employees to challenge the status quo and drive progress.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Northrop Grumman encourages collaboration and communication across departments, disciplines, and levels, fostering a culture of teamwork and collective problem-solving.
Code Review Culture: The company employs a code review process to ensure the quality, consistency, and maintainability of its software and systems.
Knowledge Sharing: Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, encouraging employees to learn from one another and collaborate on projects and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's values and collaboration style reflect the company's commitment to innovation, customer focus, and employee development. The company's culture fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that empowers employees to drive mission success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex System Integration: Space vehicle systems are complex and interconnected, requiring a deep understanding of the systems' interactions and dependencies to ensure proper functioning and mission success.
Performance Optimization: Space vehicle systems must operate efficiently and effectively within the constraints of limited power, mass, and volume. Optimizing performance requires a balance of technical expertise, trade-off analysis, and creative problem-solving.
Reliability and Safety: Space vehicle systems must be designed, tested, and validated to ensure high reliability and safety, as failures can have catastrophic consequences for the mission and crew.
Mission-Specific Requirements: Space vehicle systems must be designed and tailored to meet the unique requirements and constraints of each mission, requiring a deep understanding of the mission's objectives, environment, and constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop and enhance technical skills in space systems engineering, as well as gain experience in technical leadership and project management.
Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Staff Systems Engineer may progress to roles such as Principal Systems Engineer, Chief Systems Engineer, or other senior leadership positions within Northrop Grumman or the broader aerospace and defense industry.
Technical Leadership: The role provides opportunities to mentor and coach junior team members, helping them develop their technical skills and advance their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning & development opportunities for this role are directly tied to the candidate's ability to lead the Systems Engineering technical team and contribute to mission success. The role's technical challenges require a strong background in space systems engineering and experience in technical leadership and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Space Systems Engineering Principles and Practices:
- Can you describe the systems engineering process for space vehicle development?
- How do you approach requirements management and interface management for complex space systems?
- How do you ensure the reliability and safety of space vehicle systems?
- How do you optimize the performance of space vehicle systems within the constraints of limited power, mass, and volume?
Technical Leadership and Project Management:
- Can you describe your experience in leading technical teams and managing projects in space systems engineering?
- How do you approach risk management and mitigation for complex space missions?
- How do you balance technical trade-offs and make informed decisions in space systems engineering?
- How do you communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, including customers and SETAs?
Space Vehicle Systems and Mission Support:
- Can you describe your experience with space vehicle systems, including attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, launch vehicles, system safety, contamination control, EMI, space environments, mission operations, and human factors?
- How do you approach mission-specific requirements and constraints in space systems engineering?

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman's Culture and Values:
- How do you align with Northrop Grumman's values, including customer focus, honesty and integrity, accountability, diversity and inclusion, and innovation?
- How do you contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment?
Technical Leadership and Project Management:
- How do you approach mentoring and coaching junior team members in space systems engineering?
- How do you foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within your team?
- How do you balance technical trade-offs and make informed decisions in space systems engineering, considering the perspectives of your team and stakeholders?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Leadership and Problem-Solving:
- Highlight relevant projects and accomplishments that demonstrate the candidate's technical leadership and problem-solving skills in space systems engineering.
- Prepare a portfolio that showcases the candidate's experience in requirements management, interface management, test planning, and earned value management systems (EVMS).
- Tailor the portfolio to the specific role and company, emphasizing the candidate's fit with Northrop Grumman's mission and values.
Technical Expertise and Experience:
- Prepare a portfolio that showcases the candidate's technical expertise and experience in space systems engineering, including relevant projects, case studies, and accomplishments.
- Tailor the portfolio to the specific role and company, emphasizing the candidate's fit with Northrop Grumman's technology stack and web infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview preparation guidance helps candidates demonstrate their technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's mission and values. The technical questions, company & culture questions, and portfolio presentation strategy provide candidates with a roadmap for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Staff Systems Engineer - Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems) position at Northrop Grumman:

Submit Application: Visit the Northrop Grumman careers website and search for the job title "Senior Staff Systems Engineer - Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems)" to submit your application.
Tailor Resume and Portfolio: Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant experience, technical skills, and accomplishments in space systems engineering, technical leadership, and project management.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on space systems engineering principles and practices, as well as technical leadership and project management skills. Review relevant technical standards, guidelines, and best practices for space systems engineering.
Research Northrop Grumman: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture. Understand the company's role in the aerospace and defense industry and its commitment to innovation, customer focus, and employee development.
Prepare for Company & Culture Questions: Reflect on your alignment with Northrop Grumman's values, as well as your approach to technical leadership, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Consider how your experiences and skills contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Northrop Grumman before making application decisions.

Sr Staff Systems Engineer- Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems)