Staff Systems Engineer - Integration & Test at Northrop Grumman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Systems Engineer - Integration & Test
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: United States - Maryland - Annapolis Junction, United States - Maryland - Linthicum
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: June 30, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead technical teams in planning, integrating, and testing complex systems throughout the product lifecycle.
Collaborate across multiple programs to ensure system compliance with technical baselines and customer requirements.
Manage risks and opportunities, and track program metrics and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).
Coordinate with system architects, chief engineers, product team leads, program managers, and customers to maintain program technical integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on integration and test activities. Experience in managing risks and opportunities, as well as leading technical teams, is crucial for success in this position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Program Lifecycle Management: Plan and execute the program lifecycle, including major program milestones and reviews (e.g., SRR, SFR, SDR, PDR, CDR, SVR, TRR, peer reviews, Pre-test reviews, Post Test Reviews, Pre-Ship reviews, etc.).
System Technical Compliance: Ensure system technical compliance with the program Statement of Work (SOW) and system requirements.
Technical Integration: Manage vertical and horizontal technical integration across product teams and the program lifecycle.
Program Metrics and TPMs: Collect, manage, and report program metrics and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).
Risk and Opportunity Management: Manage risks and opportunities, and track work products and associated program dependencies in the program schedule.
Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate between system architects, chief engineers, product team leads, program managers, and customers to ensure the integrity and executability of the program technical baseline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 12 years of experience, a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 8 years of experience.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience with Systems Development Lifecycle, focusing on SRR to CDR.
Proven experience in systems development, integration, and test.
Experience in requirements management, from elicitation to verification.
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (SysML/MBSE).
Risk and opportunity management experience.
Experience leading technical teams.

Required Skills:

Systems Engineering processing and Integrated Master Plan (IMP) to Work Product Breakdown into Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
Experience with CAMEO or other similar MBSE management tools.
Understanding of DoD systems engineering requirements (e.g., UAF, DoDAF).
Strong communication skills, particularly cross-functionally.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (Software, Hardware, Electrical).
Experience managing contracts of $10M+.
Master’s degree or PhD in STEM or technical management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the complexity of the role, candidates with a strong background in systems engineering, risk management, and technical leadership are highly sought after. A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field, along with experience in managing large contracts, would be beneficial.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Not applicable for this role, as it is focused on systems engineering rather than web development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $163,200.00 - $256,400.00 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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided 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 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 over 90,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration.

Founded: The company was founded in 1939, with a rich history of technological innovation and a strong commitment to research and development.

Team Structure:

The Systems Engineering team is responsible for defining system-level requirements, architecture, and ensuring system-level integration and test activities are completed successfully.
The team works closely with other functions, such as hardware and software engineering, quality assurance, and program management.

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman follows a structured systems engineering process, aligned with industry best practices and customer requirements.
The company uses model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, such as CAMEO, to support the development process.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering advanced technologies for its customers. The company's size and history provide a stable environment for employees to grow and develop their careers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior staff level, with a focus on leading technical teams and managing complex systems engineering activities. The role requires a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, as well as experience in managing risks and opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Systems Engineer - Integration & Test typically reports to a Senior Systems Engineer or a Program Manager, depending on the organization's structure.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the success of the programs it supports, as it is responsible for ensuring system technical compliance, managing technical integration, and tracking program metrics and TPMs.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: As a senior staff engineer, there are opportunities to advance to principal or fellow levels, focusing on technical leadership and architecture decisions.
Management Growth: With experience, candidates may transition into management roles, such as Senior Systems Engineer or Program Manager.
Cross-Functional Growth: Given Northrop Grumman's diverse portfolio, there may be opportunities to work on different types of programs or transition into other functions, such as business development or capture management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman offers a range of growth opportunities for systems engineers, with a focus on technical leadership, management, and cross-functional development. The company's size and diverse portfolio provide ample opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's offices are typically professional environments, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. The company encourages a flexible work environment, with opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, depending on the role and business needs.

Office Location(s): The position is on-site in the greater Baltimore, MD area, with the option to work at the Annapolis Junction or Linthicum locations.

Workspace Context:

Northrop Grumman's offices are equipped with modern tools and technologies to support collaboration and productivity.
The company encourages a culture of continuous learning and development, with opportunities for training and mentoring.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with the option for flexible hours and remote work, depending on the role and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment is designed to support collaboration and innovation, with a focus on providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The company's commitment to continuous learning and development helps employees grow and develop their careers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as the role's requirements.
On-site Interview: A half-day on-site interview, including technical discussions, behavioral interviews, and meetings with key stakeholders.
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of interviewers to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Systems Engineering Challenge: Prepare for a systems engineering challenge, focusing on integration and test activities, risk management, and program lifecycle management.
Behavioral Questions: Prepare for behavioral questions, focusing on leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: (Relevant keywords for resume optimization)

Systems Engineering
Integration
Test
Requirements Management
Model Based Systems Engineering
Risk Management
Technical Leadership
Cross-Functional Communication
CAMEO
DoD Systems Engineering Requirements
Multi-Disciplinary Engineering
Contract Management

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, as well as their fit with the company's culture and values. The company uses a structured interview process, with a focus on behavioral and technical questions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Not applicable for this role, as it is focused on systems engineering rather than web development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Northrop Grumman Values:

Innovation: Encourage creativity and continuous learning to drive technological advancements.
Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain transparency in all actions.
Performance: Strive for excellence in all activities and continuously improve processes and outcomes.
Unity: Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, leveraging the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of employees.

Collaboration Style:

Northrop Grumman encourages a culture of collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on cross-functional integration and communication.
The company uses modern collaboration tools and technologies to support productivity and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, performance, and unity. The company encourages a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a focus on leveraging the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex Systems Integration: Manage the integration of complex systems, requiring a deep understanding of system-level requirements and architecture.
Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with various stakeholders, including system architects, chief engineers, product team leads, program managers, and customers, to maintain program technical integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Northrop Grumman offers various training opportunities, including technical courses, workshops, and certifications, to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers.
Mentoring Programs: The company provides mentoring programs to support the growth and development of employees.
Conferences and Events: Northrop Grumman encourages employees to attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in systems engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's systems engineering roles present unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development. The company's commitment to continuous learning and development, along with its diverse portfolio of programs, provides ample opportunities for employees to grow and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Principles: Be prepared to discuss systems engineering principles, processes, and best practices, with a focus on integration and test activities, risk management, and program lifecycle management.
Technical Challenges: Prepare for technical challenges related to systems engineering, such as designing and integrating complex systems, managing risks and opportunities, and tracking program metrics and TPMs.

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman's Mission: Be prepared to discuss Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture, and how they align with your personal values and career goals.
Team Dynamics: Prepare to discuss your experience working in teams, as well as your approach to collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio showcasing your technical skills, accomplishments, and experiences in systems engineering, integration, and test activities.
Behavioral Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio highlighting your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on your ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, as well as their fit with the company's culture and values. The company uses a structured interview process, with a focus on behavioral and technical questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Staff Systems Engineer - Integration & Test position at Northrop Grumman:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills in systems engineering, integration, and test activities, as well as your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Prepare for the phone screen and on-site interview by researching Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture, as well as the specific requirements and challenges of the role.
Develop a technical portfolio showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and experiences in systems engineering, integration, and test activities, as well as a behavioral portfolio highlighting your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Practice technical challenges and prepare for behavioral questions, focusing on your ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.

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

Staff Systems Engineer - Integration & Test