Chief Engineer - Level 6

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 193,000 - 289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems seeks a Chief Engineer to lead a multi-disciplinary software and systems engineering team in Aurora, CO. You will steer technical direction, manage staffing, and ensure alignment with mission objectives in a fast-paced DoD environment.

Ideal candidates have TS clearance, extensive leadership in agile software programs, and proven ability to translate complex tech into actionable strategy and customer-facing reviews.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance at time of application and eligibility for SCI.
• 14+ years in STEM with 8+ years leading engineering teams in agile environments.
• Strong ability to evaluate technical solutions and guide execution.
• Experience in risk and opportunity management within software programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for software and systems engineering on the program.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team, align technical roadmap with customer mission.
• Coordinate strategic technical directions with leadership and customers.
• Represent the program in customer and partner technical reviews and engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Agile/Scrum

System architecture

Staffing and people mgmt

Risk management

Effective communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Java

Docker

Kubernetes

RDBMS

Kafka

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Chief Engineer - Level 6 to join our team in Aurora, CO.You’ll be joining an existing on-contract program supporting a critical national security mission that is both in Operations and continuing development. The program team of approximately 40 members is geographically dispersed across the US, centered around Aurora, CO. The team is composed of software developers organized into agile scrum teams focused on development based on priorities provided by the customer. The program utilizes new commercial technologies to solve the DoD’s problems and executes in a modern agile framework. The program’s culture is agile, fast-paced, high performing, proactive, collaborative, and welcoming of new ideas, technology, and tools that could benefit the mission or help the team be more productive or produce a higher quality product.This role will serve as the technical authority for all aspects of software and systems engineering by leading a multi-disciplined engineering team to successfully deliver technical performance within cost and schedule.Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Be an advisor and/or technical liaison between Chief Product Owner, Chief Scrum Master, Chief Architect, and the Program Manager.Be a technical leader for the engineering teamBe responsible for developing and sharing program strategic and mission path forward, vision, and objectives with programBe the technical authority for all aspects of engineering on the programInform the PM on technical direction affecting scope and issues that warrant Government customer notification and/or decisionCoordinate across leadership to define strategic technical roadmap in the 1 year, 2 year, and 5 year timeframesEnsure technical solutions align with customer mission objectives (i.e. connect mission and technical product roadmap) – Are we building the right thing?Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand business needs and align technical solutionsEnsure the solution meets the overall mission needs in conjunction with other contracted program partnersSupport Risk and Opportunity Management process by identifying and owning applicable risksReview and ensure system technical compliance with the program’s Operating ModelProvide oversight for software architecture and designOversee the development process in implementing technical solutionsResolve technical challenges and guide the team in implementing solutionsEnsure focus on technical solution qualityManage technical resources (e.g. involvement with interviews and program staffing)Represent Northrop Grumman on technical aspects of the program at customer and contracted partner meetingsEnsure the technical team is thoroughly prepared for Government engagement activities and technical approaches that require Government decisionsManage the execution of software engineering processesBe accountable for system technical performance (Service Level Agreements, Service Level Interfaces)Ensure Mission Engineering (ME) is informed and jointly conduct technical solution analysis with Chief Architect and MEA Chief Engineer at a Senior Staff (06) level is expected to quickly gain mission and system domain knowledge coupling that with prior experience to mentor and influence others as well as contribute to advancing the program forward through their job. The program appreciates team members that identify and propose improvement ideas in technology, process, architecture, or tooling and are fast-learners.If you thrive in this kind of environment, then please apply so we can consider you.Basic Qualifications:Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, at time of application with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access prior to startBachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 14 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 12 years of relevant experience – OR – PhD with 14 years of relevant experienceMinimum of 8 years of experience formally leading engineering teams/and or organizations to achieve a common goal.Experience leading a diverse software engineering team in a fast paced agile development cycleAbility to perform people management and ensure staffing for the program is correctStrong software background with the ability to evaluate technical solutions and provide guidance on the best way to execute workStrong process management background with a deep understanding of useful metrics in software developmentRisk and opportunity managementExperience building rigor into agile teams without impacting speed and flexibility of deliveryStrong communications skills and ability to bridge complex technical topics with business objectivesAbility to travel up to 10% as a part of the rolePreferred Qualifications:Prior engineering experience within the US Space Industry with understanding of space command and control and battle managementExperience leading teams in microservice architectureExperience with leading technical proposals with the ability to lead the customer through reviews of technical performanceAbility to collaborate and achieve consensus when dealing with groups from diverse organizations and a multi-site structure.Prior experience as a Chief Engineer, Chief Architect or experience in other Agile servant leadership roles, such as Scrum Master or Product OwnerExcellent presentation, communication, technical writing, and organization skillsExperience sharing knowledge via mentoring, coaching, or trainingExperience in any of the following:JAVADockerKubernetesRelational Databases (RDMS)KafkaPrimary Level Salary Range: $192,800.00 - $289,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.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 our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.