Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Automation Engr (26-450)

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Training and Development

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration in Colorado Springs, CO seeks a Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Automation Engr to lead automation design and delivery for complex test environments.

You will architect automation scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and proof‑of‑concepts, mentor junior engineers, collaborate with software, IA, and test teams, and ensure DoD IA and 8140 compliance. Willingness to travel up to 10% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8+ years of experience; or Master’s with 6+ years; or PhD with 4+ years.
• Active Government-issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher at time of application.
• Active Secret security clearance at time of application.
• Proficiency with Linux command-line and shell scripting (Bash, Zsh).
• Strong scripting/programming skills in PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Java.
• Experience with Git and integration of apps/automation on Windows and Unix/Linux.
• Experience designing, executing, and maintaining automated test suites and frameworks.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently on complex problems and mentor juniors.

Responsibilities

• Innovate & design automation solutions: create scripts, frameworks, libraries for C2BMC testing on Windows/Linux.
• Design CI/CD pipelines integrating builds, tests, and reporting.
• Develop prototype automation concepts including container-based environments and AI-assisted test generation.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of automation features from requirements to deployment.
• Execute and monitor automated tests, analyze results, drive root-cause actions.
• Integrate automation across Windows and Unix/Linux platforms; validate software stacks.
• Ensure IA compliance and DoD 8570 alignment for automation assets.
• Produce documentation (designs, runbooks, API guides) for reuse and support.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM (or related)

Master’s degree in STEM (preferred)

PhD in a related field

Tools

Linux

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Scripting (PowerShell/Bash/Python/Java)

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Automation Engr (26-450) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels. This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders to plan ballistic missile defense operations, monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities and serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.

Essential Functions

• Innovate & Design Automation Solutions: Architect and develop new automated test scripts, frameworks, and reusable libraries using PowerShell, Bash, Python, and/or Java to support end‑to‑end execution of C2BMC scenarios on Windows and Linux hosts.
• Design CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar) that integrate automated builds, test execution, result collection, and reporting.
• Develop proof‑of‑concept prototypes for emerging automation concepts, including container‑based test environments, model‑based test generation, and AI‑assisted test case generation.
• Lead Implementation & Execution: Own the end‑to‑end delivery of automation features from requirements through design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Execute and monitor automated test suites, analyze results, identify root causes of failures, and drive corrective actions.
• Integrate automation solutions with applications running on both Windows and Unix/Linux platforms, including installation, configuration, and validation of software stacks.
• Ensure Compliance & Quality: Apply Information Assurance (IA) requirements and practices to all automation assets; run IA scans, remediate findings, and maintain continuous compliance.
• Ensure that automated scripts, frameworks, and pipelines align with DoD 8570 and program IA expectations.
• Produce clear, concise technical documentation (design documents, runbooks, API guides) that enable reuse, supportability, and knowledge transfer.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Provide technical guidance and code review to junior engineers; conduct knowledge‑sharing sessions on scripting, automation, and CI/CD topics.
• Collaborate with software developers, system administrators, test leads, and IA officers to refine test requirements and resolve integration issues.
• Represent the automation team in program‑level meetings, presenting progress, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and customer stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks in the test lifecycle and propose innovative solutions, such as parallel test execution, test‑environment automation, and automated environment provisioning.
• Stay current with industry trends, DoD automation initiatives, and emerging tools; evaluate and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Support occasional travel to customer sites for installation, validation, or hand‑over activities and adapt to flexible work hours as mission demands dictate.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in STEM Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree (preferred) in a STEM-related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Applicants must have a current, active Government‑Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+CE, CCNA‑Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their 8140 certification throughout the entire contract period.
• Applicants must have a current, active in‑scope Government‑issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start.
• Technical Competence: Proficiency with Linux command‑line administration and shell scripting (e.g., Bash, Zsh).
• Strong scripting/programming skills in PowerShell, Bash, Python, and/or Java, including writing, debugging, performance tuning, and ongoing maintenance.
• Practical experience with Git (branching strategies, pull‑request reviews, conflict resolution, and signed commits).
• Experience integrating applications and automation solutions on both Windows and Unix/Linux platforms (installing, configuring, and validating software stacks).
• Experience designing, executing, and maintaining automated test suites and frameworks to support complex system‑of‑systems environments.
• Professional Skills: Ability to write clear, concise technical documentation and communicate effectively with developers, system administrators, test engineers, IA personnel, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated capability to work independently on complex problems, exercising sound judgment and seeking guidance only when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering is highly preferred.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).
• Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Fundamental (OCSMP - MBF) Certification.
• Proven track record of leading automation or DevOps initiatives that resulted in measurable improvements in test cycle time, defect detection, or release frequency.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum and DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure‑as‑code, and automated environment provisioning.
• Familiarity with virtualization and container platforms such as VMWare/vSphere, Hyper‑V, and/or Docker/Kubernetes to create reproducible test environments.
• Ability to read, debug, and modify application source code (e.g., C/C++, Java) to support test hardness and automation development.
• Working knowledge of the C2BMC Concept of Operations (CONOPS), user interface, and typical mission‑system workflows.
• Prior involvement integrating mission systems with simulation frameworks, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) test beds, or virtual test environments.
• Documentation & Training: Experience authoring installation manuals, release notes, or other technical deliverables for government customers.
• History of mentoring junior engineers, conducting workshops, or creating training materials focused on automation, scripting, or CI/CD topics.

What We Can Offer You

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs.

• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Benefits overview: https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

Primary Level Salary Range

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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.

Equal Opportunity and Citizenship

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.

Additional Information

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.