Systems Engineer Level 6 - Software IPT lead

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Launch Vehicles Division in Chandler, AZ is hiring a Systems Engineer Level 6 - Software IPT lead to guide software and firmware teams in designing, integrating, and delivering software for interceptor, flight test vehicles, ground support and test equipment.

The ideal candidate will have deep embedded software/firmware experience, strong leadership, and the ability to integrate safety and security into software products while aligning with program milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 14 years of experience, master's degree with 12 years of experience or Ph.D. with 10 years of experience in a technical field; 4 additional years may substitute for a degree.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active US Government Security Secret Clearance
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP)
• Experience leading technical teams
• Understanding of Government systems engineering requirements
• Experience as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Technical lead, or other leadership role

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced program environment.
• Coordinate IPT activities and drive development schedules to support program milestones.
• Provide technical leadership for internal and external briefings, reviews, and risk management discussions.
• Manage risks, issues, and mitigation activities to ensure schedule and performance targets.
• Collaborate with flight test and ground test IPT leads to align software needs and schedules.

Skills

Experience leading technical teams

Understanding of Government systems e​

IPT Lead / Technical lead

Education

Bachelor's degree with 14 years of experience, master's degree with 12 years of experience or Ph.D. with 10 years of experience

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.

Position

Northrop Grumman - Launch Vehicles Division is hiring a Systems Engineer Level 6 - Software IPT lead, located in Chandler, Arizona. This high-visibility position requires a technical and leadership expert capable of guiding the software and firmware teams to design, integrate, and deliver software for the interceptor, flight test vehicles, ground support and unique test equipment.

The ideal candidate will have strong, broad development experience with a deep understanding of embedded software, firmware, integration and testing as well as experience integrating safety and security into application and software products.

Position Overview

Serve as Leader of the technical, cost, schedule, and resource execution for the IPT activities. You will collaborate with other IPT leads to understand the programs software needs, and drive development schedules to support overall program success. You will work with your team leads to understand risks, drive technical solutions and identify and execute risk mitigation activities. You will work closely with the flight test and ground test IPT leads to understand their software needs and schedules to ensure ground and flight test operations are supported while delivering software products that support overall program schedule milestones.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Lead a High-Performing Team : Coordinate an engineering team in a high-visibility and fast-paced program environment. Collaborate with diverse groups including Engineering & Program Management, Algorithm and Electrical Engineers, and Mission Assurance teams.
• Solve Complex Challenges : Apply your organizational and technical problem-solving skills to ensure successful software product designs while addressing development risks and emerging challenges in real-time.
• Communicate at all Levels : Provide technical leadership and support for internal and external executive briefings, including program updates, engineering reviews, and risk management discussions.
• Maintain High Standards : Thrive in a high-expectation environment, demonstrating initiative, meticulous attention to detail, and polished verbal and written communication skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

Serve as the technical and leadership authority for the Software development, delivering on challenging performance, schedule, and cost objectives.

Engage, inspire, and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program milestones, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all stakeholders.

Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, mentorship, and collaboration across internal teams and external partnerships.

Lead long-range software development planning to support technology maturation and new capability development, ground and flight test activities, and tactical software qualification and deployment.

Stakeholder Management and Communication:

Serve as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders, preparing and delivering clear communication on risks, trade-offs, decisions, and successes.

Partner with internal program management and external stakeholders to align technical requirements and delivery schedules with program milestones.

Foster collaborative, trust-based relationships with internal and external partners to maintain alignment and ensure mission success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 14 years of experience, master's degree with 12 years of experience or Ph.D. with 10 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Active US Government Security Secret Clearance
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP)
• Experience leading technical teams
• Understanding of Government systems engineering requirements
• Experience as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Technical lead, or other leadership role in