Director Systems Engineering 2 - I&S BU Chief Engineer/ Mission 1 SE&I IPT Lead
About The Position
Northrop Grumman’s Intelligence Systems Division is seeking a Director, Systems Engineering 2 to serve as the I&S Business Unit Chief Engineer and Mission 1 Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) IPT Lead. The position is located in Redondo Beach, California. The Director is accountable for technical execution and integrity across the AMP portfolio and reports to the Vice President, Western Region Engineering. The role provides day-to-day technical leadership for multiple programs and captures, while shaping the business’s long-term technical and programmatic vision. The Mission 1 SE&I organization covers requirements and verification, system integration, thread leadership, mission engineering, competitive sourcing, MBSE-based architecture and integration into the program digital ecosystem, launch system integration, and early system operations. The Director leads across multiple contracts and pursuits and throughout all lifecycle phases, in a fast-paced environment with frequent customer and executive-level engagement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline.
- At least 12 years of experience in systems engineering or closely related engineering disciplines supporting complex, mission-critical programs.
- At least 5 years of technical leadership experience in Systems Engineering, such as IPT lead, chief engineer, or program technical lead.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple program lifecycle phases, including concept, design, integration, test, and operations.
- Experience with systems engineering processes, including requirements development, allocation, verification/validation, and risk management.
- Experience engaging external customers and presenting technical content in executive-level or customer forums.
- Active Top Secret and SCI clearance at the time of application, with a recent Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Engineering or a related STEM discipline, with emphasis in Systems Engineering, Communication Systems, Signal Processing, Mission Engineering, or a related field.
- Previous experience as a Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, or SE&I IPT Lead on large, complex space or intelligence programs.
- Experience with space or airborne mission systems, including end-to-end mission architectures, thread leadership, and mission engineering.
- Hands-on experience applying MBSE and digital engineering tools and methods, such as SysML, model repositories, and digital twins, to define architectures and technical baselines.
- Experience with launch system integration and/or early on-orbit operations for space systems.
- Track record of building and developing high-performing engineering teams, including mentoring, succession planning, and talent development.
- Experience managing competitive pursuits, including proposal phases, competitive sourcing, and technical strategy for captures and recompetes.
- Familiarity with Northrop Grumman Systems Engineering processes, Mission Assurance, and configuration management practices.
- Strong executive-level communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear business and mission impacts.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the I&S Business Unit Chief Engineer, providing technical and process leadership and oversight across the I&S program portfolio.
- Own systems engineering execution, system integrity, and architecture decisions for Mission 1 programs, aligning them with business, mission, and customer objectives.
- Lead the Mission 1 SE&I IPT and its multidisciplinary work across requirements and verification, system integration, mission engineering, MBSE-based architecture, launch integration, and early system operations.
- Establish and drive Systems Engineering strategies, processes, and best practices across the program lifecycle.
- Partner with program management, functional leadership, and customers to define technical baselines, manage technical risk, and deliver mission-capable solutions on cost and schedule.
- Provide technical direction and decision-making for major reviews, trades, and design milestones, and chair or co-chair technical boards as appropriate.
- Build relationships with external customers and internal stakeholders, and represent Mission 1 SE&I and I&S in executive-level and customer forums.
- Mentor, develop, and grow systems engineering talent and build technical depth and succession pipelines for key leadership roles.
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution, including MBSE adoption, digital engineering initiatives, and disciplined integration and test strategies.
- Ensure compliance with Northrop Grumman engineering processes, mission assurance, and configuration management standards.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- Discretionary bonus may be available depending on the position
- Long-term incentives may be available to employees in Vice President or Director positions
- Relocation assistance may be available
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
