Staff Computer Systems Architect – Top Secret

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.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Defense Services sector is seeking a Staff Computer Systems Architect (level 5) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals for a position based in Palmdale Ca.

The Staff Computer Systems Architect will designs and defines system architecture for new or existing complex computer systems. Determines systems specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security. Coordinates design of subsystems and integration of total system. Identifies, analyzes, and resolves program support deficiencies. Develops and recommends corrective actions. May provide technical guidance for database administrators and software developers.

Job Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Designing instruction sets and commands for a massively parallel, distributed, high-performance computer system.

• Designing data flow pathways for moving data within a massively parallel system efficiently and reliably.

• Developing detailed models of the high performance computer system capable of accurately projecting performance.

• Optimizing parallel computing architectures for performance, power, and area on purpose built machines.

• Analyzing and optimizing traffic patterns in complex, high performance computer networks.

• Working with Systems Engineering and Network Engineering teams to ensure that the architecture meets requirements and is implemented correctly.

• Interacting with customers, both internal and external, to convey architecture principles and concepts.

• Efficient and effective communication of design and architecture to digital designers for implementation, simulation, and synthesis.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in STEM field with at least 14 years related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 9+ years of related experience. In lieu of formal degree, High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 18 years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze high level needs utilizing use cases/scenarios and relate them to the requirements.

• Well-versed, skilled and disciplined in system engineering processes.

• Background in information technology and cyber .

• Must have an active Top Secret DoD clearance with ability to maintain that clearance.

• Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission is a condition of employment

• Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include alternate/second shifts, extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing wide array of senior technical engineers and managers.

• Demonstrated experience in technical judgment with significant impact to program success.

• Demonstrated experience negotiating with customers to convert customer needs into testable system requirements.

• Experience working as part of an Agile development environment as Product Owner or Architect

• Extensive experience developing and utilizing detailed computer architecture simulations.

• Extensive experience interpreting complex data and performing trade-off analysis.

• Experience in High Performance Computing (HPC) and/or High Performance Networks (HPNs).

• Experience creating detailed plans of execution and schedules for complex projects.

• A Master’s Degree or PhD in a related field is highly desirable.

Salary Range: $161,000 USD - $241,400 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.