Chief Engineer (Level 6)

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Linthicum (MD); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space System in Linthicum, MD is seeking an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead to coordinate cross‑discipline engineering efforts on space programs. The role interfaces with Engineering & Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, System, Software, and Mission Assurance, with a hybrid on-site/remote work model (80% on site, 20% remote).

Candidates should have extensive experience leading multi‑discipline teams, DoD systems engineering, and strong communication skills; US

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or STEM‑related discipline (14+ years experience)
• Experience leading cross‑discipline engineering teams
• DoD systems engineering experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Manage technical development and direction for engineering on a program from design through delivery
• Interface with program management, manufacturing, supply chain, software, and mission assurance
• Own quality, budget, and schedule for engineering content of the program
• Lead Technical Review Board and coordinate technical decisions with stakeholders

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

Northrop Grumman Space System is seeking an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead within the Eastern Regional Electronics and Payload Organization. The role supports the Intelligence Systems Division in Linthicum, MD. The programmatic focus is on developing key technologies, integrating and shaping solutions for the Space Intelligence Systems Division while creating new strategies to win and execute future development programs.

The position leads a cross‑discipline engineering team (typically 5‑25 people) and interfaces with Engineering & Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, System, Software, and Mission Assurance. The role can be performed hybrid (80% on site, 20% remote) and requires residing in the local area.

Typical Responsibilities

• Manage the technical development and direction for all aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.
• Integrate the overall technical plan within the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and control engineering project scope within or outside the established baseline.
• Own overall quality, technical, budget (CAM experience) and schedule responsibility for the Engineering content of the assigned program.
• Ensure the program adheres to sound engineering processes in development, production, test and sustainment in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Make critical technical decisions using a structured approach in accordance with E250‑MSO, Structured Decision Making.
• Drive process development, continuous improvement and affordability initiatives within the associated programs.
• Chair the Technical Review Board.
• Serve as engineering team liaison for communications to/from program management, manufacturing, operations, customers, and other functional organizations, coordinating execution of program statement of work and technical program requirements.
• Collaborate with all Product Team Leads to resolve engineering conflicts and solve program unusually/complex technical problems, providing highly innovative and achievable solutions.
• Work with engineering functional management to ensure standardized tools and development environments are used and applied, as applicable to contract scope.
• Collect and provide required data for Northrop Grumman SP program reporting (e.g., IPRS) of engineering performance.
• Support the program manager’s risk and opportunity management by identifying and owning risks associated with system performance.
• Identify and insert reusable technologies and design products for current and future space programs.
• Support pursuit/proposal efforts by leading the development of innovative system payload concepts and architectures to meet mission objectives, applying new principles and theories where applicable.
• Provide technical status updates and assessment to PMO, and support PMO in assessing cost and schedule impacts of technical decisions or customer requests.
• Learn existing business‑related technologies and keep up to date with new emerging technologies for integration into the product portfolio.

Basic Qualifications

• Managed across system, software and hardware teams in a similar to‑Engineering Program Manager role on an NRE development program or managed as an IPT lead on an NRE development program.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or STEM‑related discipline with 14 or more years of experience, or 12 years with a Master’s Degree and 9 years of experience with a Ph.D.
• Good communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and good oral and written presentation skills.
• Domain expertise in defense electronic systems.
• Work experience and/or exposure to supply chain, manufacturing and suppliers.
• Familiar with Mission Systems and/or Space Systems Hardware Design Process.
• Experience in business capture engagement and proposals.
• Deep understanding of DoD systems engineering requirements.
• Experience in systems development, integration, and test.
• Experience in product leadership across multiple engineering areas such as RF, Electrical, Digital, Power, Mechanical Designs, Antenna and Embedded Processing.
• US Citizenship.
• Active top‑secret clearance required at the time of application with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in STEM or technical management.
• Experience in fixed‑price contract proposals.
• Experience as SME, Technical lead, IPT Lead, or other engineering leadership role in a program office that demonstrated team building, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in Agile hardware programs.
• Experience directly managing or leading engineering teams.
• Support on product line development and technical roadmaps.
• Expertise understanding of the Design, Manufacturing, and Test process.
• Problem‑solving experience in a team environment.
• Active TS/SCI with counterintelligence polygraph.

Salary & Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 – $276,100.00. The range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.