Sr. Staff Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Palatine Township (IL); On-site; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Secret clearance provided

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Rolling Meadows, IL seeks a System Architect to define and evolve the architecture for defense programs, balancing cost, schedule, risk, and KPPs. You will own system models, align roadmaps, and oversee cross‑functional teams across hardware, software, and firmware.

Ideal candidates have formal STEM degrees with extensive related experience, proven MBSE expertise, and the ability to deliver testable requirements while navigating security constraints.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a STEM field with extensive related experience.
• 5+ years in an engineering organization within defense before EMD/LRIP stages.
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the system architecture to meet operational needs and KPPs.
• Maintain alignment between solutions and roadmaps across components.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Customer requirements negotiation

Technical presentations

Collaboration on complex projects

SysML modeling

MBSE tools

Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or STEM

MS degree in STEM field

PhD in STEM field

Tools

IBM Rational DOORS

Enterprise Architect

Cameo

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.The System Architect serves as the authority for the system architecture and design, and owns responsibility to create, evolve, and maintain the architecture of the system to meet operational needs, while accommodating known constraints such as cost, schedule, and risk, and tailoring the systems requirements margins relative to the risk and compliance with the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). The System Architect also owns responsibility for maintaining alignment between the appropriate solution and internal roadmaps, product lines or common components, if applicable.This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.Basic Qualifications:BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 14+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience5+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phasesDemonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skillsPrior experience negotiating with customers to convert customer needs into testable system requirementsExperience in creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadershipExperience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmwareAbility to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to startPreferred Qualifications:Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systemsExperience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysisExperience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systemsDemonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifactsExperience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedulesActive Secret or Top Secret security clearancePrimary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00The 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.