Senior Staff Systems Engineer, Ground Control Segment

Northrop Grumman

. Serve as technical lead for the Mux TACAIR ground segment .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeBaltimore • California • United StatesSenior💰 $166,500 - $289,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ground segment architecture, integration, and verification for aircraft systems, with a strong focus on technical leadership and collaboration across engineering disciplines. Proficient in managing engineering drawings, configuration management, and applying Agile methodologies to ensure project success.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ground Segment ArchitectureTechnical LeadershipEngineering Drawings and SchematicsAgile Development MethodologiesSoftware/Hardware Integration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Ground Control Segment DevelopmentConfiguration ManagementEngineering Change ProcessesHMI DevelopmentUAV/UAS Ground Control ExperienceCybersecurity RequirementsCADECADMPLMTechnical Documentation

Soft Skills

CommunicationTeam LeadershipProblem SolvingCustomer EngagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

JIRAAgile Practices

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Secret ClearanceU.S. Government Top Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aircraft SystemsGround Segment ApproachesIntegration and VerificationTechnical BaselinesFlight Test Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as technical lead for the Mux TACAIR ground segment
Own ground architecture, rack-level design, interface definitions, and integration/verification approach
Lead design, development, integration, and verification of the ground control segment
Define and maintain ground segment architecture aligned with program objectives, customer requirements, and applicable standards
Plan, execute, and document trade studies on architecture, hardware configurations, communication paths, and control strategies
Maintain CONOPS, system diagrams, interface definitions, technical baselines, and configuration records
Own rack-level design for computing and networking equipment, including layout, power, cooling, interfaces, and maintainability
Develop, review, and release engineering drawings, schematics, and bills of material
Lead software/hardware integration, including HMI development, lab integration and testing, and end-to-end system verification
Oversee ground segment readiness and support flight-test execution, including configuration definition, test planning, procedures, and issue resolution
Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program management
Serve as primary technical interface to customers for requirements clarification, design reviews, technical discussions, issue resolution, and briefings
Apply Agile practices and JIRA to manage backlog, track progress, and coordinate work
Manage suppliers and subcontractors, including SOW development and oversight of technical deliverables

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree with 14 years of experience, a master’s degree with 12 years of experience, or a PhD with 10 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree
U.S. Citizenship is required
Current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP)
Experience working with ground system/segment architectures for aircraft (manned and/or unmanned)
Experience providing technical leadership to a small team of approximately 4–6 people across multiple engineering disciplines
Demonstrated experience creating, maintaining, and releasing engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs
Experience with configuration management and engineering change processes
Experience writing and presenting technical information to customers and internal management
Ability to transfer an active U.S. Government Secret clearance successfully
Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields (preferred)
Active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance or higher (preferred)
Knowledge of common ground segment approaches, implementations, components, standards, interfaces, constraints, and security requirements for aircraft/UAS (preferred)
Prior experience with UAV or UAS ground control segments, including development and flight test operations (preferred)
Experience with software/hardware integration, including HMI development (preferred)
Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools such as JIRA (preferred)
Experience with cybersecurity requirements and/or implementation for ground systems (preferred)
Experience supporting the full lifecycle of designs (preferred)
Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors, including development and management of SOWs (preferred)
Experience with CAD, ECAD, and MPLM (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Health Plan
Savings Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Education Assistance
Training and Development
9/80 Work Schedule (where available)
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Company-paid holidays
Potential eligibility for overtime
Potential eligibility for shift differential
Potential eligibility for discretionary bonus
Potential eligibility for Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director positions