Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - 19015

United States-Utah-RoyPosted Jul 28, 2026

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.

The Flight Systems Futures operating unit within Strategic Deterrent Systems is seeking highly motivated Principal Systems Engineer to join a team at the forefront of next-generation hypersonic capabilities. Our team focuses on the design, development, and demonstration of hypersonic re-entry vehicles and advanced payloads, with an emphasis on rapid development and prototyping aligned to specific customer missions. We operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where innovative concepts are matured quickly into credible, testable solutions that address our nation’s most demanding strategic deterrence needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the Responsible Engineer for hardware and software items procured from external vendors or through internal work orders.
  • Interpret technical data (drawings, datasheets, test reports) to assess applicability to the program’s requirement set.
  • Partner with vendors to resolve technical challenges while protecting cost, schedule, and performance targets.
  • Review and approve deliverables from the subcontract data requirements list
  • Assist in managing subcontractor statement of works and subcontractor performance (may require travel to vendor location)
  • Maintain configuration control and ensure all delivered items meet applicable Northrop Grumman engineering standards (CMMI, MILSTD498, etc.).
  • Provide regular status reports and risk updates to program leadership.
  • Participate in cross functional reviews (design, trade, verification) and support source selection activities as needed.
  • Document decisions, nonconformances, and corrective actions in the program’s requirements traceability and configuration management tools.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 8 years of experience; or 6 years experience with a Master's (MS) degree; or 4 year experience with a STEM PhD
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.
  • 3+ years experience to include full lifecycle work (concept, development, verification, sustainment), SysML based MBSE tools (IBM Rhapsody, Cameo, SysML v2) and the ability to develop and maintain system models.
  • 3+ years experience in writing, managing, and tracing complex requirements (e.g., using DOORS, Jama, or Polarion), defining verification plans, test procedures, executing system level verification activities, and creating and governing ICDs for hardware, software, and external system interfaces.
  • 3+ years experience managing external suppliers or subcontractors for complex, high-value hardware or services
  • 3+ years experience reading and working with technical documentation (drawings, specs, statements of work) and flowing requirements to suppliers
  • Strong skills in schedule and cost tracking, including use of standard business tools (ERP/MRP, Excel, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting hypersonic, missile, space, or other high-reliability flight hardware programs
  • Background with complex, engineered hardware supply (e.g., precision machining, composites, high-temperature materials, electronics)
  • Experience with long-lead and critical path management, including recovery planning for late or at-risk suppliers
  • Familiarity with export/import constraints and working with suppliers under ITAR/EAR controls
  • Experience leading supplier technical and programmatic reviews and coordinating with engineering/quality on requirements clarification
  • Demonstrated success in risk management for suppliers (single/sole source, capacity, obsolescence, qualification status)
  • Experience in a matrixed IPT environment, working closely with program management and engineering leadership

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This position’s standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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.

Want jobs like this matched to you?

SimpleCareer scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.

Get started free