Command and Control Enclave (C2E) Architect - Sr. Principal Engineer Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. is seeking a senior System Architect to lead contract‑specific trade studies and develop architectural strategies for C2E hardware, software, and networks.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define requirements, validate designs, and ensure proper testing throughout the lifecycle. The role requires an active TS clearance, DoD experience, and the ability to obtain SAP clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master/PhD in STEM with 8/6/4 years of related professional/military experience respectively.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with eligibility/DoD background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance; DoD contracts experience is a plus.
• Experience in large system development, integration, and test processes with strong technical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract‑specific trade studies and technical assessments to evaluate design approaches.
• Develop and refine architectural strategies for hardware, software, and networking elements supporting C2E.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define and validate system requirements and testing across the lifecycle.
• Analyze system performance, interface compatibility, and payload integration for robust architectures.
• Serve as primary technical point‑of‑contact for architectural direction and trade study outcomes for customers and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, design reviews, and strategic proposals for contract execution and improvements.
• Apply engineering processes to development, integration, and testing activities ensuring policy and quality compliance.

Skills

System architecture

Trade studies

Technical communication

Requirements analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering disciplines

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

STEM Ph.D.

Job description

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance required for start: Yes.

Clearance type: Top Secret.

Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.

Description

At 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contract‑specific trade studies and technical assessments to evaluate alternative design approaches, ensuring optimal performance, cost effectiveness, and alignment with C2E requirements.
• Develop and refine architectural strategies for hardware, software, support systems, and networking elements that underpin C2E.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define and validate system requirements, ensuring seamless integration and proper testing throughout the system lifecycle.
• Analyze system performance, interface compatibility, and payload integration to deliver robust and scalable architecture solutions specific to C2E operations.
• Serve as the primary technical point‑of‑contact for inquiries related to the architectural direction and trade study outcomes, facilitating clear and effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, design reviews, and strategic proposals to support contract execution and ongoing system improvements.
• Apply rigorous engineering processes to all development, integration, and testing activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and quality standards.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
• Must have experience in large system development, integration, and test processes, with a strong emphasis on technical analysis and trade studies.
• Must have ability to drive technical initiatives as an individual contributor, managing complex tasks with minimal supervision.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with customers, cross‑functional teams, and management.
• Must have a background in system architecture, with experience in software, hardware, networking, and/or related engineering disciplines.
• Must have familiarity with various phases of engineering including concept development, testing, integration, and/or operational execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a STEM field.
• Experience in developing technical proposals and statements of work related to DoD contracts.
• Well‑versed in DoD systems engineering requirements and agile engineering methodologies.
• Understanding of earned value management, control account management, and digital transformation strategies.
• Knowledge of cyber protocols, network architecture, and data processing operations.

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The 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 https://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.