Lead Systems Architect, System-of-Systems (Top Secret)

Northrop Grumman; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 193,000 - 289,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Cincinnati seeks a Sr. Staff Systems Architect – System-of-Systems to lead the end-to-end architecture for software-intensive, cloud-enabled hardware systems across on-premises, tactical, and secure AWS environments.

The role requires Top Secret clearance, substantial defense-industry experience, and the ability to guide technical decisions while aligning teams to open standards. Travel up to 50% is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 14+ years of related experience; or Master’s with 12+ years; or PhD with 10+ years.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Defense contractor experience across EMD, LRIP, and/or Operations/Sustainment program phases.
• Experience leading complex systems or system-of-systems, SEIT, and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to lead Agile development efforts.
• Ability to travel up to 50% to support team in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Capture, derive, and decompose system-of-systems architecture from CONOPS and OPSCON and disseminate architectural guidance to multiple teams.
• Lead cross-project technical alignment, driving common architecture patterns and reusable designs.
• Create and maintain system architecture artifacts using MBSE methods and tools.
• Evolve an integrated system of systems to meet mission objectives for capability, availability, reliability, performance, and security.
• Define roadmaps, trade spaces, and modernization strategies with stakeholders and customers.
• Guide implementation across software, hardware, cloud, networking, and cybersecurity domains.
• Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to ensure alignment with baseline architecture.
• Champion Agile and SAFe practices within architecture and engineering teams.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

Agile leadership

Systems engineering

Architecture direction

Travel willingness 50%

Communication skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Customer-focused solutions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

SysML

UAF

Cameo Enterprise Architect

IBM Rhapsody

Job description

Northrop Grumman in Cincinnati seeks a Sr. Staff Systems Architect – System-of-Systems to lead the end-to-end architecture for software-intensive, cloud-enabled hardware systems across on-premises, tactical, and secure AWS environments.

The role requires Top Secret clearance, substantial defense-industry experience, and the ability to guide technical decisions while aligning teams to open standards. Travel up to 50% is anticipated.