Senior Principal Systems Engineer

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.

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

The Specialized Warfighter Development Contract (SWDC) Threat Modeling Center (TMC) at Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer out of Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO.

The Threat Modeling Center is responsible for the development and delivery of high-fidelity threat modeling products in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). TMC is responsible for the development of models and simulations (M&S) used to stimulate element models of MDA’s BMDS, including kinematic missile modeling, IR signature modeling, data production/analysis activities, and maintenance/sustainment activities for the entire TMC software baseline. TMC is a cornerstone element to the Specialized Warfighter Development Contract (SWDC), as part of the MDA Engineering Directorate (DE) Task Order.

This position requires a detail-oriented senior-level engineer responsible for developing high fidelity signature data packages for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools and media. Must have a good understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes. Must be able to apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected phenomenology characteristics during the flight of a missile. The selected individual must be able to work with little or no direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team, and meet time critical delivery schedules.

This role requires candidates to be onsite daily with no option for remote/hybrid work.

Job responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

• Gain experience with threat model phenomenology with a focus on IR signatures
• Research into infrared (IR) signature predictions and simulation models
• Actively work with the team to ensure completion of data production needs in support of MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation
• Gain experience with the Joint Threat Modeling Program (JTMP) requirements and deliverables and work in close coordination with the Intelligence Community (IC) stakeholders and MDA Management Team
• Work in close coordination with TMC engineers for software requirements of threat modeling tools
• Understand stakeholders’ requirements and ensure vigilant review for verification and validation of deliverables

Basic Qualifications: 

• 9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline; 7 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
• Solid background in infrared signature modeling
• Experience with technical analysis of modeling and simulation data sets
• Experience with Verification and Validation of modeling and simulation data
• Knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles
• Candidate must be result focused, work well within a dynamic environment, be self-motivated, able to work in a team environment, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience with scripting/automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
• Excellent time management and great attention to details are necessary
• Ability to obtain / maintain a DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical Planning, project management and project scheduling experience
• Experience with Joint Army Navy NASA Air Force (JANNAF) plume codes for predictive signatures (SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, VIPER, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles
• Experience in Agile software development methodologies including Scrum and Kanban
• Familiarity and/or experience with Model-based Systems Engineering theory and tools
• Active or Interim DoD Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret with access to SCI

Salary Range: $117,900 USD - $176,900 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.