Systems Engineering Director 1

Northrop Grumman; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 214,000 - 321,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineering Director 1 for the Sensor Systems Design team in Baltimore, MD, requiring 100% on-site work and a active Secret clearance. Lead 300–500 engineers, guide strategic tech choices, and ensure program success through robust processes and executive communication.

The role emphasizes ethical leadership, innovation, and cross-site collaboration with strong program management, risk assessment, and performance focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related field with strong leadership experience.
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance is required.
• Experience leading large distributed engineering teams across multiple sites.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts for executive audiences.
• Strong program management, risk, and metrics tracking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead long-term technology and talent roadmaps for Sensor Systems Engineering teams.
• Oversee 300–500 engineers across Baltimore and Bethpage; recruit, develop and mentor talent.
• Define and enforce engineering processes, metrics, and best practices.
• Review proposals and program plans; ensure realistic estimates and risk mitigation.
• Foster collaboration across sectors to deliver programs on cost, schedule, and quality.

Skills

Systems Engineering Leadership

Executive communication

Program management

Technical problem-solving

Team building

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

SysML

Engineering tools (DOORS)

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission System’s Engineering and Sciences (E&S) Baltimore and Partnered Sites Division is seeking a Systems Engineering Director 1 for the Sensor Systems Design team in Baltimore, MD and will require 100% on-site work.

What You’ll Get To Do

Demonstrate a proven ability to lead for sustained, high level performance with a strong commitment to ethics, integrity, and innovation that constructively challenges traditional ways of doing business. Effectively balance programmatic needs to deliver results within cost, schedule, and quality parameters while fostering and rewarding innovative behaviors at all levels of the organization. Show success in shaping the direction of key technology discriminators by identifying, championing, and implementing change that drives competitive advantage for the business. This role emphasizes performance, people leadership, and business growth, requiring a balanced blend of technical, interpersonal, and business acumen. Independently execute work aligned to strategic objectives while thriving in a team environment and collaborating across the sector and corporation to achieve shared goals. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership –Champion the long term technology and talent roadmaps for Sensor Systems Engineering teams including EW, Tracking, Modes, EO/IR, BIT/CAL and System Architects. This includes guiding discipline collaboration teams, investment strategies and succession planning to grow practitioners and continue engineering execution across multiple divisions and businesses.
• Team Management & Growth – Lead a team of 6-7 section managers and oversee an organization of 300–500 engineers across Baltimore and Bethpage, NY. Recruit, onboard, and develop top talent; champion diversity, equity, and inclusion; conduct performance reviews, career path planning, and mentorship programs. Facilitate conflict-resolution and promote workforce engagement. Support partnered site in Bethpage, NY including on-site presence, talent development and staffing needs.
• Define & enforce engineering processes – Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, best practice guidelines, and engineering metrics; audit adherence and drive corrective actions. Promote best practices, systems engineering rigor and build alignment around systems engineering processes and tools to achieve program milestones.
• Proposal & program oversight – Review and sign off on proposal and program plans; verify that resources, technical rigor, decision rationale, realistic estimates, and prudent risk taking are embedded. Review execution throughout programs, ensure quality of work products and independent technical reviews, and proactively identify and address risks.

This position is contingent on the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 10 years of experience, a master’s degree with 8 years of experience, or a PhD with 6 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields.
• U.S Citizenship is required.
• A current/active U.S Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success leading multiple large, distributed engineering teams.
• Experience with systems engineering processes, including effective tailoring to program and customer needs.
• High proficiency in technical problem-solving, with a strong track record in root cause analysis and developing robust, sustainable solutions.
• Experience in translating complex technical and business concepts into clear, concise messages for executive level audiences.
• Experience in program execution and staffing, as well as in developing and managing PrOP, engineering metrics, training resources, processes, and tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.
• Active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher.
• 8+ years of professional experience in defense or aerospace industries
• Experience delivering complex solutions on time and within budget.
• Hands on expertise with systems engineering roles on programs including time as SEIT Lead, Chief Engineer, Engineering Program Manager, Integration and Test Lead or Systems Lead.
• Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle, processes and tools
• Experience mentoring senior engineers and building diverse, high‑performing technical teams in a matrixed, multi‑site environment.
• Proven technical management experience preferably in either program profit and loss or integrated product team
• Demonstrated profit and loss (P&L) leadership experience.

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.

Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.

Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $214,100.00 - $321,100.00

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.