Staff Systems Engineer - Requirements

Northrop Grumman
Full_timeβ€’$155k-256k/year (USD)β€’United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

  • Job Title: Staff Systems Engineer - Requirements
  • Company: Northrop Grumman
  • Location: Annapolis Junction, MD, Linthicum Heights, MD, Beavercreek, OH, Boulder, CO, or Azusa, CA
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Category: Systems Engineering
  • Date Posted: June 26, 2025
  • Experience Level: 10+ years
  • Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the program lifecycle, ensuring technical compliance with the program SOW and system requirements.
  • Manage risk and opportunity while tracking core engineering work products and associated program dependencies.
  • Collaborate across an entire portfolio of programs, coordinating with various team members across subsystems during the development process.
  • Collect, manage, and report program metrics and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to manage complex systems engineering projects and ensure technical compliance throughout the program lifecycle.

πŸ’» 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.).
  • Technical Compliance: Ensure system technical compliance with the program Statement of Work (SOW) and system requirements.
  • Risk and Opportunity Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Work Product Tracking: Track core engineering work products and associated program dependencies in the program schedule.
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with various team members across subsystems during the development process.
  • Metrics Reporting: Collect, manage, and report program metrics and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role involves managing complex systems engineering projects, requiring strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to ensure technical compliance and successful program execution.

πŸŽ“ 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.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience defining and/or managing requirements of large-scale systems.
  • Experience analyzing system and subsystem performance at various lifecycle stages.
  • Requirements development from conceptualization to verification.
  • Demonstrated experience with Systems Development Lifecycle with a focus on SRR to CDR.
  • Experience in systems development, integration, and/or test.
  • Experience coordinating with various team members across subsystems during the development process.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customers’ requirements.

Preferred Skills:

  • Use of requirements management tools (e.g., Doors or Cameo).
  • Risk and Opportunity Management experience.
  • Understanding of DoD systems engineering requirements.
  • Experience leading small teams.
  • Ability to manage a large database of requirements across systems, subsystems, and lower-level components.
  • Multi-Disciplinary Engineering exposure (Software, Hardware, Electrical) and strong ability to communicate cross-functionally.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on requirements management and program lifecycle execution. Experience with requirements management tools and DoD systems engineering requirements is preferred.

πŸ“Š Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (Not Applicable)

Portfolio Essentials: N/A

Technical Documentation: N/A

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,400.00 - $256,400.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Savings Plan
  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus based on individual contributions and company results.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range represents a general guideline, and the final offer may vary based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on developing and manufacturing advanced electronic systems, cybersecurity solutions, and autonomous systems.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large company with approximately 90,000 employees worldwide, providing a diverse and collaborative work environment.

Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939, with a rich history of technological innovation and contributions to the defense industry.

Team Structure:

  • The Systems Engineering team is responsible for defining system-level requirements, designing and integrating complex systems, and ensuring technical compliance throughout the program lifecycle.
  • The team works cross-functionally with various departments, including hardware, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as program management and operations.
  • The team follows an Agile/Scrum methodology, with regular sprint planning, code reviews, and quality assurance practices.

Development Methodology:

  • Northrop Grumman follows a Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) approach, focusing on SRR (System Requirements Review) to CDR (Critical Design Review) stages.
  • The company emphasizes risk management, with regular risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
  • Northrop Grumman uses requirements management tools, such as Doors or Cameo, to track and manage system-level requirements.

Company Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence, with a strong focus on delivering advanced solutions to the defense industry.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level, with a focus on managing complex systems engineering projects and ensuring technical compliance throughout the program lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Systems Engineer - Requirements reports directly to the Program Manager or a senior-level Systems Engineering Manager.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the technical success of the program, ensuring that system-level requirements are defined, tracked, and met throughout the program lifecycle.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Leadership: With experience and strong performance, there is potential for growth into technical leadership roles, such as Principal Systems Engineer or Chief Systems Engineer.
  • Program Management: Demonstrating strong leadership and management skills may lead to opportunities in program management roles.
  • Technical Specialization: Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in relevant fields can open up opportunities for specialization in specific domains within systems engineering.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman offers opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on technical leadership, program management, and technical specialization within the systems engineering domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's work environment is a mix of on-site and remote work, with a focus on collaboration and communication across various locations.

Office Location(s): The position is available at Annapolis Junction, MD, Linthicum Heights, MD, Beavercreek, OH, Boulder, CO, or Azusa, CA.

Workspace Context:

  • Northrop Grumman provides a collaborative workspace with access to the necessary tools and resources for successful project execution.
  • The company encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings and training opportunities.
  • Northrop Grumman's work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and solutions to its customers.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with the possibility of overtime or travel based on project needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and solutions to its customers. The company provides a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and development.

πŸ“„ Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess communication skills and initial fit for the role.
  2. Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's systems engineering experience, with a focus on requirements management, program lifecycle execution, and risk management.
  3. Behavioral Interview: An assessment of the candidate's leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as their ability to manage complex projects and ensure technical compliance.
  4. Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips: N/A

Technical Challenge Preparation: N/A

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Program Lifecycle, Risk Management, Technical Compliance, Cross-Functional Coordination, Technical Leadership, Program Management, Technical Specialization

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization. The process is designed to ensure that the selected candidate is well-suited to the role and the company's long-term goals.

πŸ›  Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (Not Applicable)

Frontend Technologies: N/A

Backend & Server Technologies: N/A

Development & DevOps Tools: N/A

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is focused on systems engineering and does not involve web development or server administration technologies.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

  • Technical Excellence: Northrop Grumman values technical excellence and encourages continuous learning and development within the systems engineering domain.
  • Collaboration: The company emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and solutions.
  • Innovation: Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging employees to explore new ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
  • Customer Focus: The company is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, with a focus on delivering advanced solutions to the defense industry.

Collaboration Style:

  • Northrop Grumman encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings and training opportunities.
  • The company uses Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning, code reviews, and quality assurance practices.
  • Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of open communication and active listening, with a focus on understanding and addressing the needs of its customers.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus, with a strong commitment to delivering advanced solutions to the defense industry.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Managing complex systems engineering projects, with a focus on ensuring technical compliance throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Coordinating with various team members across subsystems during the development process, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and communication.
  • Managing a large database of requirements across systems, subsystems, and lower-level components, with a focus on requirements traceability and verification.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Northrop Grumman offers opportunities for professional development, with a focus on technical leadership, program management, and technical specialization within the systems engineering domain.
  • The company encourages continuous learning and development, with regular training opportunities and access to industry-leading resources.
  • Northrop Grumman provides opportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's technical challenges and growth opportunities are focused on managing complex systems engineering projects, with a strong emphasis on technical compliance, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. The company offers opportunities for professional development and growth within the systems engineering domain.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Requirements Management: Describe your experience with requirements management tools (e.g., Doors or Cameo) and how you have used them to manage large-scale systems.
  • Program Lifecycle: Walk us through your experience with the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC), with a focus on SRR to CDR stages. How have you ensured technical compliance throughout the program lifecycle?
  • Risk Management: Explain your approach to risk management and how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated risks in previous projects.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Technical Leadership: How have you demonstrated technical leadership in previous roles? What steps have you taken to develop your leadership skills?
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How have you ensured effective communication and collaboration across different disciplines?
  • Customer Focus: How have you ensured that your technical solutions meet the needs of your customers? What steps have you taken to understand and address customer requirements?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: N/A

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization. The company is looking for candidates who can manage complex systems engineering projects, ensure technical compliance, and drive cross-functional collaboration and innovation.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Systems Engineer - Requirements position:

  1. Submit your application through the application link provided on the job posting.
  2. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant systems engineering experience, with a focus on requirements management, program lifecycle execution, and risk management.
  3. Prepare for the phone screen and technical interview by reviewing your experience with systems engineering tools, methodologies, and best practices.
  4. Research Northrop Grumman's company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong fit with the organization's goals and objectives.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 12 years of experience or equivalent education and experience. Demonstrated experience in managing requirements for large-scale systems and systems development lifecycle is essential.