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

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 142,200 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is looking for a Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect specializing in Command and Control Enclave (C2E). This role in El Segundo, CA, focuses on delivering tailored architectural solutions and leading technical assessments to ensure optimal performance and compliance with contract requirements.

The candidate will work closely with systems engineering teams, drive technical initiatives, and prepare comprehensive documentation. A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and an active Top Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related professional/military experience or equivalent education.
• Active US Government Top Secret clearance.
• Experience in large system development and integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead trade studies and technical assessments.
• Develop architectural strategies for systems.
• Collaborate to define and validate system requirements.

Skills

Technical analysis and trade studies

Excellent communication

System architecture

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline

Master's degree in STEM discipline

Ph.D. in STEM discipline

Tools

Engineering processes

Agile methodologies

Cyber protocols

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available. CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes. CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret. TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time.

At Northrop Grumman, employees 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 and moon landings. We look for bold ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to invent the future and have fun along the way.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Command and Control Enclave (C2E) Architect – Senior Principal Engineer Systems Architect to join our Research and Advanced Design organization. This role is located onsite in El Segundo, CA. In this individual‑contributor position, 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 position focuses on conducting detailed trade studies, defining system integration approaches, and ensuring that design and development efforts align with the project’s technical objectives. The 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.

Basic Qualifications

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

Salary Range

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00. Additional compensation may be available through overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, or long‑term incentives for certain positions.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman provides health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business. Flexible work arrangements are offered, including a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Application Information

U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of 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 the Northrop Grumman EEO website.