Airframe IPT Lead — Senior Systems Engineer IV

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Discretionary bonus

Annual bonuses

Long Term Incentives

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Launch Vehicles Division in Chandler, Arizona, seeks a Systems Engineer Level 4 - Airframe IPT Lead with a strong background in airframe design and defense programs. You will guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge airframe solutions for hypersonic environments and balance cost, schedule, and quality to align with customer requirements.

The role requires an active Secret clearance, DoD systems engineering experience, and leadership of IPTs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields with 8 years of relevant experience.
• U.S Citizenship is required and active Secret Security Clearance is required.
• Experience leading IPTs/technical teams on defense programs and DoD systems engineering requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team overseeing design, manufacturing, and test planning for airframe maturity.
• Balance cost, schedule, and resources to reach PDR and EVMS targets.
• Oversee mass allocation for kill vehicle to meet modeling targets and ensure design decisions align with mass constraints.
• Coordinate design releases to support timely procurement orders and sustain project milestones.
• Manage technical maturation events (arcjet and structural tests) and drive program readiness.
• Provide holistic systems thinking to influence airframe design and mission success.
• Facilitate cross-team collaboration and clear communication of risks and trade-offs.
• Serve as a focal point for customer and government questions on airframe assembly.

Skills

IPT Lead

Leadership

DoD systems engineering

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree preferred

PhD preferred

Job description

Northrop Grumman’s Launch Vehicles Division in Chandler, Arizona, seeks a Systems Engineer Level 4 - Airframe IPT Lead with a strong background in airframe design and defense programs. You will guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge airframe solutions for hypersonic environments and balance cost, schedule, and quality to align with customer requirements.

The role requires an active Secret clearance, DoD systems engineering experience, and leadership of IPTs.