Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman

. Lead development of system-level architectures, concepts of operations, and interface definitions for advanced aeronautics projects .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeRedondo Beach • California • United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML for developing system architectures and managing requirements throughout the program lifecycle. Proven ability to lead risk management activities and coordinate cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)SysMLRequirements Management Tools (DOORS, Polarion)Risk Management (FMEA, FTA)System Architecture Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)SysMLRequirements ManagementRisk ManagementSystem Architecture DevelopmentInterface Control Documents (ICDs)Trade StudiesVerification and Validation StrategiesSystems Engineering Lifecycle ProcessesTechnical Briefing Preparation

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsLeadership SkillsStakeholder ManagementMentoring

Tools & Technologies

Cameo Systems ModelerMagicDrawEnterprise ArchitectMATLAB/Simulink

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Government Secret ClearanceSpecial Access Program (SAP) Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringAvionicsGuidance and NavigationFlight Control SystemsPropulsion IntegrationINCOSE SE HandbookDoDAF/UPDMAP233OSLC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development of system-level architectures, concepts of operations, and interface definitions for advanced aeronautics projects
Apply MBSE using SysML to produce and maintain system models, traceability, and architectural views throughout the program lifecycle
Drive requirements engineering and configuration by eliciting, decomposing, allocating, and managing requirements
Ensure bidirectional requirements traceability
Lead and oversee risk management activities, including identification, assessment, mitigation planning, and tracking
Support FMEA, FTA, and risk registers
Conduct trade studies, system analyses, and feasibility assessments to support architectural decisions
Define verification and validation strategies
Support test planning and integration activities
Coordinate hardware, software, avionics, propulsion, and structures engineering teams and external partners/suppliers
Prepare technical briefings, architecture artifacts, and documentation for stakeholders and review boards
Mentor systems engineers and architects
Provide technical leadership and establish MBSE and systems engineering best practices across projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Principal: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related professional/military experience, or Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience, or STEM Ph.D. and 1 year of related experience
Senior Principal: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional/military experience, or Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related experience, or STEM Ph.D. and 4 years of related experience
Active US Government Secret or higher clearance, with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML
Experience creating and maintaining SysML models and using MBSE for requirements, design, and verification
Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Polarion, or equivalent
Experience with requirements decomposition and traceability
Experience with risk management methods including FMEA, FTA, and risk registers
Experience developing system architectures and interface control documents (ICDs)
Experience performing system-level trade studies
Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle processes, including the V-model
Familiarity with standards such as the INCOSE SE Handbook
Communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to present complex technical material clearly
Preferred: Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Preferred: Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or Enterprise Architect
Preferred: Knowledge of DoDAF/UPDM, AP233, and OSLC
Preferred: Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, model-based verification, or digital thread/MBSE toolchains
Preferred: Experience with avionics, guidance and navigation, flight control systems, or propulsion integration
Preferred: Prior experience in R&AD, prototype development, rapid iteration, or technology maturation programs
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Flexible work arrangements
9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
Phenomenal learning opportunities
Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
Friendly team environment
Overtime eligibility may be available
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business