Systems Engineer - Mission Modeling Simulation – Level 6

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 167,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer, Mission Modeling Simulation – Level 6, based in Chandler, AZ. You will lead modeling, simulation, and analysis for missile and interceptor systems, interfacing with program leadership and driving architecture choices.

You will guide MS&A efforts, mentor engineers, and ensure rigorous verification/validation of models, while working on high‑impact defense programs on site. Strong MS&A background and top‑level communication are essential.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Active US Government Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Physics; Applied Mathematics; Computer Science) and 14 years of related experience in systems engineering, modeling and simulation, or operations analysis.
• Master’s degree and 12 years.
• Ph.D. and 10 years.
• Extensive experience in mission‑level and system‑level modeling and simulation for missile/interceptor or integrated air and missile defense systems.
• Proven experience leading complex MS&A efforts, including scenario design, model integration, and trade studies.
• Strong background with virtual simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, MATLAB/Simulink) and mission‑level operations analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and technically lead engineering teams and to interface effectively with program leadership and customers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing complex analysis outcomes to program and customer leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and integration of mission-level and system-level performance models, algorithms, and simulations of missiles, interceptors, sensors, threats, and command-and-control systems.
• Direct operations and behavior analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and assess architecture alternatives for delivering an effect or capability within a broader campaign, including end-to-end engagement and campaign-level assessments.
• Define and oversee MS&A task plans, including model development, verification/validation, and analysis workflows.
• Guide architecture trades and design decisions using data-driven recommendations and sensitivity analyses.
• Mentor other Systems Modeling Simulation engineers; provide technical guidance on tools, techniques, and interpretation of results.
• Support technical reviews and proposals, articulating MS&A approaches, risks, and mitigation strategies to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Communication skills

Systems engineering

Modeling & simulation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM + 14 years

Master’s degree + 12 years

Ph.D. + 10 years

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Brawler

STK

MATLAB/Simulink

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.

Systems Engineer, Mission Modeling Simulation – Level 6, located in Chandler, AZ.

You will act as a senior technical leader and architect for modeling, simulation, and analysis of missile and interceptor systems.

In this role, you will lead complex Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) efforts, define analysis plans, and serve as a primary technical interface to program leadership.

You will combine deep technical expertise with system‑of‑systems thinking to influence requirements, architecture, and mission concepts across multiple programs.

This position is 100% on site in Chandler, AZ (strongly preferred). Remote candidates may also be considered

• Lead development and integration of mission‑level and system‑level performance models, algorithms, and simulations of missiles, interceptors, sensors, threats, and command‑and‑control systems
• Direct operations and behavior analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and assess architecture alternatives for delivering an effect or capability within a broader campaign, including end‑to‑end engagement and campaign‑level assessments
• Define and oversee MS&A task plans, including model development, verification/validation, and analysis workflows
• Guide architecture trades and design decisions using data‑driven recommendations and sensitivity analyses
• Mentor other Systems Modeling Simulation engineers; provide technical guidance on tools, techniques, and interpretation of results
• Support technical reviews and proposals, articulating MS&A approaches, risks, and mitigation strategies to internal and external stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Active US Government Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Physics; Applied Mathematics; Computer Science) and 14 years of related experience in systems engineering, modeling and simulation, or operations analysis;
• Master’s degree and 12 years;
• Ph.D. and 10 years;
• Extensive experience in mission‑level and system‑level modeling and simulation for missile/interceptor or integrated air and missile defense systems.
• Proven experience leading complex MS&A efforts, including scenario design, model integration, and trade studies.
• Strong background with virtual simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, MATLAB/Simulink) and mission‑level operations analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and technically lead engineering teams and to interface effectively with program leadership and customers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing complex analysis outcomes to program and customer leadership.
• Demonstrated resolve to drive tasks to completion, with a track record of producing and presenting clear, actionable analysis results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret and Special Access Program (SAP) access; active TS/SAP is highly preferred
• Experience in multiple domains, such as: Missile/interceptor guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) RF or EO/IR seeker/sensor modeling
• Integrated air defense systems (IADS) or threat modeling
• Electronic attack, electronic protection, and countermeasures modeling
• Survivability, lethality, and vulnerability analysis at the weapon or mission level
• Significant experience integrating MS&A into Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering environments and system architecture models
• Demonstrated leadership in improving MS&A tools, frameworks, and visualization capabilities

Experience engaging with customers in technical interchange meetings and design reviews, representing MS&A results and recommendations

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards Primary Level Salary Range: $166,500.00 - $249,700.00 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.

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.

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.