Systems Architect Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Level)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Senior Principal level Systems Architect to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in either San Diego, CA or Palmdale, CA . In this role you will be responsible for performing analysis while working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure to update and maintain a detailed set of software Interface Control Document (ICD) artifacts. The selected candidate will collaborate across engineering disciplines to integrate and communicate interface definition needs with internal stakeholders and external customers across multiple simultaneous Modernization and Sustainment efforts. Roles and Responsibilities include: Support System Requirements Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of new development project Develop architecture for programs that span all phases from new business acquisition, Internal Research and Development (IRAD)/ technology development to established baseline program and new program accommodations. Support efforts to drive increased application of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools on the program to capture the System-software (SW) dependency. Willingness to develop tool-specific expertise for model admin support and interaction with ancillary tools. Work with a team of engineers on the development of system design, end-to-end traceability, data analyses, and failure/anomaly resolution through models. Independently develop methods to automate processes and documentation associated with design and testing. Develop and produce model metrics that support design reviews, systems integration, verification, and validation. Attends and/or prepares materials for presentations for Engineering Design Reviews Develop, mature, and coordinate software interface, requirements, and model artifacts to support the design, development, and sustainment of integrated components of a large system across multiple contracts. Administer primary interface control tools and provide ultimate approval authority for final changes to be integrated into program baselines Ensure all Interface Management work instructions, style guides etc. are implemented and followed and educate team members on relevant processes and plans. Maintain Interface Artifacts following proper configuration management procedures. Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure proper verification and validation of interface artifacts Host and attend working group and review board meetings and provide insight and technical approval as required. Possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills with excellent communications skills to support coordination across IPTs and with external customers. Strong critical thinking, verbal, and written communication skills Understanding of the application and development of Interface Control artifacts and requirements in large systems. You will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required. This role may be filled at a Principal or Senior Principal level based on the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications: At a Principal Level: Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and at least 5 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 3 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and at least 1 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience. At a Senior Principal Level: Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and at least 8 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 6 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and at least 4 years of relevant professional / military engineering experience. At Both Levels: Must have an Active DoD Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Must have the ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. Preferred Qualifications Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Can identify moderate architecture defects in presentation material Experience supporting Systems Engineering Milestones SRR, PDR and Critical Design Review (CDR) Experience in full lifecycle of Systems Engineering, including requirements decomposition, test planning, requirements verification and Coordinate verification plans among various IPTs. Prefer Engineering degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Engineering Physics Masters degree Experience working on military aircraft / spacecraft systems Experience providing analysis and engineering support to new business development and proposal activities. Experience in system architecture, Concept of Operations (CONOPs), and MBSE Familiarity with Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) architecture models and views Experience in Interface Control Document (ICD) development and integration Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders. MBSE and Agile Systems Engineering Experience Experience with DOORS Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Crucible) Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and Systems Thinking mindset Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Costa Mesa , Systems Architect Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Level), Engineering , San Diego, California