Principal/Sr. Principal Computer Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 103,600 - 193,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligibility

Shift differential

Long‑term incentives

Health insurance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Computer Systems Architect to lead the hardware discipline for the DS3 program.

You will help design and implement computer system baselines for multiple compute environments and support DS3 proposals, with the potential to transition into a technical lead role after award. The role requires strong UNIX/Linux experience, hardware architecture knowledge, and collaboration across IPTs.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience with the proposal development process.
• Experience developing labor BOEs and material BOMs.
• Experience with Cost‑Plus and Fixed‑Price contracts.
• Experience with requirements decomposition to hardware subsystem and component level specifications.
• Experience designing and maintaining computer system environments running RedHat Linux.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically.
• Experience with Atlassian tool sets (JIRA, Confluence).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Program Management on DS3 proposal strategies and estimation methodology.
• Develop the DS3 computer system infrastructure proposal engineering BOM.
• Create DS3 labor BOEs.
• Establish road maps and execution timelines.
• Provide technical leadership within the Compute IPT upon award.
• Oversee the development and documentation of the computer system hardware architecture.
• Oversee the development of component specifications and procurement requirements.
• Manage the engineering technical baseline.
• Determine system specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security.
• Coordinate the design of compute subsystems and integration of the total system.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve program support deficiencies.
• Develop and recommend corrective actions.
• Interface with system administrators, database managers, and software developers.
• Brief Northrop Grumman and Space Force leadership.

Skills

Active DoD Secret clearance

Computer systems architecture

Proposal development

Hardware subsystem requirements

RedHat Linux

Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence)

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor of Science

Master of Science

PhD

Tools

VMware (vCenter, vSphere, NSX, Tanzu)

HPE High Performance Computing platforms

Job description

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance

Secret clearance required at start.

Travel

Travel up to 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. 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.

Position Overview

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal OR Sr. Principal Computer Systems Architect to act as the computer hardware discipline lead within the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Site 3 program (DS3). As the computer hardware discipline lead you will be a key member of the team responsible for proposing, designing and implementing the hardware baseline of several compute environments required for DS3. Initially you will support DS3 proposal efforts with the expectation of transitioning into a technical lead once DS3 is awarded. The role includes design milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR) and the establishment of the computer system hardware baseline that meets operational requirements for the system.

Job Duties

• Collaborate with Program Management on DS3 proposal strategies and estimation methodology.
• Develop the DS3 computer system infrastructure proposal engineering bill of material (BOM).
• Create DS3 labor Basis of Estimates (BOE’s).
• Establish road maps and execution timelines.
• Provide technical leadership within the Compute Integrated Product Team (IPT) upon award.
• Oversee the development and documentation of the computer system hardware architecture.
• Oversee the development of component specifications and procurement requirements.
• Manage the engineering technical baseline.
• Determine system specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security.
• Coordinate the design of compute subsystems and integration of the total system.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve program support deficiencies.
• Develop and recommend corrective actions.
• Interface and collaborate with system administrators, database managers, and software developers.
• Brief Northrop Grumman and Space Force leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance at the time of application.
• Principal: 5 years of experience with a Bachelors in Science, 3 years with a Masters in Science, or 1 year with a PhD.
• Sr. Principal: 8 years of experience with a Bachelors in Science, 6 years with a Masters in Science, or 2 years with a PhD.
• Experience with the proposal development process.
• Experience developing labor BOE’s and material BOM’s.
• Experience with Cost‑Plus and Fixed‑Price contracts.
• Experience with requirements decomposition and derivation down to hardware subsystem and component level specifications.
• Experience designing and maintaining computer system environments running RedHat Linux.
• Familiar with a broad set of commercial hardware system components (servers, switches, routers, network attached storage).
• Experience with Atlassian tool sets (JIRA, Confluence).
• Familiar with Model‑Based Systems Engineering principles.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with HPE High Performance Computing platforms.
• Familiar with computer virtualization.
• VMware product experience (vCenter, vSphere, NSX, Tanzu, Avi Load Balancer).
• Experience with network design, configuration, and management.
• RedHat Certified (System Admin or Engineer).
• CompTIA Security+ Certification.
• CompTIA Network+ Certification.
• VMware Data Center Certification.
• VMware Network Virtualization Certification.
• Experience working within CAMEO.
• Experience with Engineering Drawings and Electronic Bill of Materials that drive procurement demands.

Salary

Primary Level: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00
Secondary Level: $129,300.00 – $193,900.00

Benefits

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and Long‑Term Incentives. Northrop Grumman provides health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation or personal business.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.