Integrated Functional Capability Lead (IFCL) (AHT)

Northrop Grumman; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 265,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Northrop Grumman seeks an Integrated Functional Capability Lead in Los Angeles to drive cross-functional capabilities in defense systems development. The role requires full-time on-site presence and a valid US Government Secret clearance.

The successful candidate will oversee strategic planning, program coordination, and systems engineering efforts across multiple contracts, ensuring mission-ready capabilities are delivered on time and within budget.

Competitive salary range is $177,000 - $265,600 annually, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 12 years of defense systems development or equivalent.
• 5+ years leading teams of 20+ personnel.
• Experience in complex multi-contract programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Strategic IFC Plan.
• Align hardware and software IPTs with project milestones.
• Lead certification efforts for integrated products.

Skills

Leadership

Systems Engineering

Risk Management

Program Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

Ph.D in related field

Tools

MBSE

SysML

DOORS/DoorsNext

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is looking for an Integrated Functional Capability (IFC) Lead 5 that will orchestrate the execution of multiple, inter‑dependent contracts within the Advanced Weapons Business Unit at Northridge, CA. Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, and manufactures weapon systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives.

This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current US Government Secret security clearance.

The IFC Lead will spearhead the definition, development, and delivery of cross‑functional capabilities that enable the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AWBU) to design, prototype, and field next generation defense systems. This role blends deep technical knowledge of weapon system architectures with strong systems engineering, program management, and stakeholder engagement skills. The IFC lead will align multidisciplinary teams (systems, software, hardware, test & evaluation, logistics, and sustainment) to ensure integrated, mission‑ready capabilities are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest security while performing at a high standard.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Develop and maintain the overarching Strategic IFC Plan for each product line.
• Translate the strategic vision into detailed IFC plans, schedules, and resource allocations.

Program Coordination

• Align the work of hardware and software IPTs with the IFC schedule and milestones.
• Synchronize development baselines across contracts to avoid conflicts and gaps.

Execution & Integration

• Oversee the evolution of the IFC plan through architecture, hardware, and software design phases.
• Manage functional activities such as testing, quality assurance, logistics support, and readiness for ground‑and flight‑test phases.

Certification & Release

• Lead the IFC effort to certification, confirming that the integrated product set satisfies functional and performance requirements.
• Compile and deliver the IFC system certificate package for ground test, flight test, developmental/operational test, and evaluation.

Systems Engineering Leadership

• Expand technical breadth across a diverse portfolio of mission threads.
• Drive the transition from traditional systems engineering rigor to lean‑agile, model‑based processes.

Control Account & Risk Management

• Own Control Account Management responsibilities, tracking budget, schedule, and performance metrics.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Defense Technology or a related field, with 12 years of defense systems development; or a Master’s with 10+ years of the same experience; or Ph.D with 8+ years
• 5+ years of experience leading large, cross‑functional teams of 20+ personnel in a matrix organization
• Experience coordinating complex, multi‑contract development programs in a defense or aerospace environment.
• Experience in systems engineering, with exposure to hardware, software, and integrated architecture, inclusive of engineering frameworks (MBSE, SysML, DOORS/DoorsNext)
• Current US Government Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven record delivering integrated weapon‑system capabilities (e.g., missiles, directed‑energy, unmanned platforms)
• Proficiency with systems
• Familiarity with DoDAF, MIL‑STD‑499B, ACAT acquisition processes
• Experience in model‑based analysis, trade studies, and performance‑modeling tools
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross‑functional teams in a matrix organization
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong influencing and negotiation capabilities
• Experience in presenting complex technical concepts to senior military and industry stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage requirements, schedules, and risk.
• Familiarity with lean‑agile and model‑based engineering frameworks.

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00

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.