Top Secret Systems Architect & Trade Studies Lead

Northrop Grumman Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. is seeking a senior System Architect to lead contract‑specific trade studies and develop architectural strategies for C2E hardware, software, and networks.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define requirements, validate designs, and ensure proper testing throughout the lifecycle. The role requires an active TS clearance, DoD experience, and the ability to obtain SAP clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master/PhD in STEM with 8/6/4 years of related professional/military experience respectively.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with eligibility/DoD background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance; DoD contracts experience is a plus.
• Experience in large system development, integration, and test processes with strong technical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract‑specific trade studies and technical assessments to evaluate design approaches.
• Develop and refine architectural strategies for hardware, software, and networking elements supporting C2E.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define and validate system requirements and testing across the lifecycle.
• Analyze system performance, interface compatibility, and payload integration for robust architectures.
• Serve as primary technical point‑of‑contact for architectural direction and trade study outcomes for customers and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, design reviews, and strategic proposals for contract execution and improvements.
• Apply engineering processes to development, integration, and testing activities ensuring policy and quality compliance.

Skills

System architecture

Trade studies

Technical communication

Requirements analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering disciplines

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

STEM Ph.D.

Job description

Northrop Grumman Corp. is seeking a senior System Architect to lead contract‑specific trade studies and develop architectural strategies for C2E hardware, software, and networks.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define requirements, validate designs, and ensure proper testing throughout the lifecycle. The role requires an active TS clearance, DoD experience, and the ability to obtain SAP clearance.