Systems Engineer (*Active TS/SCI required) at Northrop Grumman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Engineer (*Active TS/SCI required)
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Morrisville, North Carolina, Fairfax, Virginia, or Linthicum, Maryland
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site only

🚀 Role Summary

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and verify total systems, ensuring technical, schedule, and cost constraints are met.
Translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications, performing functional analysis, timeline analysis, and detail trade studies.
Maintain and develop operational procedures, interfacing with program and customer personnel.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of software development and systems engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires an active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain and favorably succeed a CI polygraph. The position is on-site only and does not support remote or hybrid work.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Integration & Verification: Perform technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation for total systems, ensuring they meet technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
Requirements Allocation & Interface Definition: Decompose element requirements to subsystem levels and create acceptance criteria.
Procedure Maintenance & Development: Maintain existing operations procedures and develop new ones as required, incorporating lessons learned from real-time performance.
Customer & Program Interface: Collaborate with program and customer personnel to ensure customer requirements are met and maintain open lines of communication.
Software Development Understanding: Demonstrate a strong understanding of software development principles and their application in systems engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves 10% travel, so candidates should be comfortable with occasional business travel.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).

Experience:

2 years of relevant systems engineering experience with a completed Bachelor's (STEM)
0 years of experience with a completed systems engineering Master's (STEM)

Required Skills:

Systems Engineering
Systems Design
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Cameo tool
JIRA
Requirements allocation and interface definition
Functional analysis

Preferred Skills:

Favorably adjudicated CI polygraph

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,300.00 - $134,200.00 USD 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 a 9/80 work schedule option available (working nine-hour days Monday through Thursday and taking every other Friday off).

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on developing and producing advanced systems for various applications, including space, aeronautics, and defense.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large, global corporation with over 90,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939 and has since grown into a leading provider of innovative systems, products, and services in the aerospace and defense sector.

Team Structure:

The Payload and Ground Systems division within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems sector is responsible for developing, designing, producing, and sustaining optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.
The Systems Engineer role will be part of the Engineering organization supporting the Integrated National Systems (INS) Business Unit.

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer collaboration.
Systems Engineers will work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure customer requirements are met and projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: 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 more information, visit Northrop Grumman's Equal Employment Opportunity and Pay Transparency Statement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This Systems Engineer role is at the intermediate level, requiring a strong foundation in systems engineering principles and experience working on complex systems.

Reporting Structure: The Systems Engineer will report to the Engineering Manager within the Payload and Ground Systems division, supporting the Integrated National Systems Business Unit.

Technical Impact: Systems Engineers at Northrop Grumman have a significant impact on the development and deployment of advanced systems, contributing to the company's mission of providing innovative solutions to customers worldwide.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Systems Engineers at Northrop Grumman have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop their skills in various domains, such as space, aeronautics, and defense.
Leadership Development: As employees gain experience and demonstrate strong performance, they may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, mentoring junior engineers and driving technical decisions.
Career Progression: Northrop Grumman offers a clear career progression path for Systems Engineers, with opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as Senior Systems Engineer, Principal Systems Engineer, or Technical Fellow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's career progression is based on a combination of factors, including technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen. Employees are encouraged to develop their skills and take on new challenges to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's work environment is collaborative and innovative, with a strong focus on teamwork and customer satisfaction. Employees work in modern offices equipped with the latest tools and technologies to support their roles.

Office Location(s): The Systems Engineer role is available at Northrop Grumman's Morrisville, North Carolina; Fairfax, Virginia; or Linthicum, Maryland locations.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: Northrop Grumman's offices are designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members, with open workspaces and dedicated meeting areas.
Specialized Tools & Equipment: Systems Engineers will have access to specialized tools and equipment, such as modeling software, simulation tools, and hardware-in-the-loop test beds, to support their work.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Systems Engineers will work closely with various stakeholders, including other engineers, program managers, and customers, to ensure projects are delivered successfully.

Work Schedule: Northrop Grumman offers a flexible work schedule, with a 9/80 work schedule option available (working nine-hour days Monday through Thursday and taking every other Friday off). This allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while meeting project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment is designed to support employees' well-being and productivity, with on-site amenities such as fitness centers, cafeterias, and wellness programs.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's qualifications, experience, and career goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, evaluating the candidate's systems engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of relevant tools and technologies.
Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of the candidate's experiences, focusing on their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders to discuss the candidate's fit within the team and the company's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Systems Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on systems engineering principles, including requirements allocation, interface definition, and system integration.
Tool Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with relevant tools, such as Cameo, JIRA, and other modeling and simulation software used at Northrop Grumman.
Problem-Solving Skills: Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a systems engineering context.

ATS Keywords: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. The company values diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates from various backgrounds and experiences to contribute to its mission.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A for this role)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Northrop Grumman Values:

Customer Focus: Northrop Grumman is committed to understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality products and services.
Integrity: The company conducts business ethically and responsibly, adhering to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Excellence: Northrop Grumman strives for excellence in all aspects of its business, continuously improving its processes, products, and services to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Accountability: Employees are held accountable for their actions and decisions, taking responsibility for their work and its impact on the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Northrop Grumman encourages collaboration and communication among its employees, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility.
Knowledge Sharing: The company promotes a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with regular training opportunities and mentoring programs.
Diverse Perspectives: Northrop Grumman values diversity and inclusion, seeking employees from various backgrounds and experiences to contribute to its mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is built on a foundation of integrity, excellence, and accountability, with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex Systems Integration: Systems Engineers at Northrop Grumman work on complex systems, requiring strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
Emerging Technologies: The company works at the forefront of various industries, exposing employees to cutting-edge technologies and challenging them to stay current with the latest developments.
Regulatory Compliance: Northrop Grumman operates in highly regulated industries, requiring Systems Engineers to understand and comply with relevant regulations and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Northrop Grumman offers extensive technical training opportunities, allowing employees to develop their skills and stay current with the latest technologies and best practices.
Leadership Development: The company provides leadership development programs, helping employees build the skills and knowledge necessary to take on leadership roles.
Mentorship: Northrop Grumman encourages mentorship relationships, pairing employees with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support as they develop their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's challenging and dynamic work environment provides employees with numerous opportunities to grow both technically and professionally.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss systems engineering principles, such as requirements allocation, interface definition, and system integration.
Tool Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with relevant tools, such as Cameo, JIRA, and other modeling and simulation software used at Northrop Grumman.
Problem-Solving Skills: Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a systems engineering context.

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman's Mission: Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with Northrop Grumman's mission to provide innovative solutions to customers worldwide.
Customer Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of Northrop Grumman's commitment to customer satisfaction and your ability to contribute to this goal.
Integrity & Accountability: Show your understanding of Northrop Grumman's values of integrity and accountability, and how you would apply these principles in your role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. The company values diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates from various backgrounds and experiences to contribute to its mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Engineer position at Northrop Grumman:

Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers website.
Prepare for the phone screen by reviewing your resume, highlighting your relevant experience, and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
Study systems engineering principles, familiarize yourself with relevant tools, and prepare for the technical assessment.
Research Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
Practice your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability, and be ready to discuss your approach to systems engineering challenges in a behavioral interview context.

⚠️ 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.

Systems Engineer (*Active TS/SCI required)