Systems Engineer - Level 5

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Boulder
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: 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. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 5 to serve as Chief Engineer, located in Boulder, CO, to join our Advanced Mission & Space Processing Operation Unit. Our team is chartered to deliver resilient, global mission infrastructure to the warfighter. The Chief Engineer owns the technical baseline and system design for the program, ensuring that all technical aspects meet customer needs and align with mission objectives. As the final authority on the technical solution, you will lead and approve technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, and CDR. You will drive trade studies to define the optimal technical solutions, balancing cost, schedule, and system performance, while proactively identifying, tracking, and mitigating technical risks and opportunities. The Chief Engineer leads FRBs (Failure Review Boards) for Northrop Grumman scope and supports customer FRBs as needed. Acting as the primary technical interface with customers and stakeholders, you will ensure the technical solution is clearly communicated and aligned with customer goals. You will work in close partnership with Program Management to ensure all technical obligations are fulfilled and delivered on time, guiding the program through critical milestones to mission success. Join us in this pivotal role and help shape the future! Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 12 years of relevant experience; 10 years with a Master's; 8 years with a PhD Experience in systems engineering principles and processes, with a demonstrated ability to apply them to complex, multidisciplinary projects. Experience leading the design, development, integration, and deployment of advanced ground system software, networking, and/or RF antenna systems. A proven record of technical leadership, serving as the senior technical authority, including directly interfacing with customers, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams. In-depth technical knowledge across hardware, software, and the full lifecycle development, integration, and operational deployment of antenna systems. Active Secret security clearance with current eligibility or ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. Preferred Qualifications : M.S., PhD, or other advanced degree Experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE), SysML and Cameo, including integrating model artifacts within hierarchical model architectures and supporting enterprise-level model governance. Demonstrated hands-on technical curiosity, with personal or professional experience in RF, communications systems, or related technologies. Familiarity with space-vehicle ground segment design Proven ability to iterate quickly on design and development processes, incorporating feedback and making improvements Experience with U.S. Government contracts Experience leading end-to-end integration of CONUS/OCONUS ground infrastructure, including construction, system integration, and test of antenna or communication systems Effectively communicate and present to program management, other technical managers, and customers Experience integrating MBSE models with requirements management tools (e.g. DOORS/DNG) to support end-to-end traceability and verification planning. Excellent technical writing and team building skills Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00 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, Arvada , Systems Engineer - Level 5, IT / Software / Systems , Boulder, Colorado