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

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 142,200 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

9/80 work schedule

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect in Command and Control Enclave (C2E) to deliver tailored architectural solutions and lead evaluations of design approaches. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and ensure compliance with quality standards.

The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor’s in a STEM field and possess extensive relevant experience along with a Top Secret clearance. This position offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities for growth and contribution.

Qualifications

• B.S. in STEM with 8 years of experience or equivalent qualifications.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• Experience in large system development and integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead trade studies for design approaches.
• Develop architectural strategies for C2E.
• Collaborate with teams to define system requirements.

Skills

Technical analysis

Communication skills

System architecture

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM discipline

Master of Science in STEM discipline

Ph.D. in STEM discipline

Tools

Agile methodologies

Earned value management

Cyber protocols

Job description

Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance required for start: Yes. Clearance type: Top Secret. Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.

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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Command and Control Enclave (C2E) Architect – Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect to join the team of qualified individuals on our Research and Advanced Design organization. This role is located onsite in El Segundo, CA.

In the role, the successful candidate will serve as the primary technical expert responsible for delivering tailored architectural solutions that meet contract requirements within C2E and supporting other system architects. The focus is on conducting detailed trade studies, defining system integration approaches, and ensuring that design and development efforts align with the project's technical objectives. In this individual contributor role, the successful candidate will work closely with Systems Engineering and other technical teams to support the realization of contract deliverables.

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.

We offer flexible work arrangements, a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self‑motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

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 US 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 PhD) 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.