Software/Systems Engineer Architect - Level 5
About The Position
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 is seeking a Software/Systems Engineer Architect Level 5, located Huntsville, AL In this job, you will; provide technical leadership and architectural direction across multiple software development teams in a demanding, mission-focused environment. Collaborate with systems engineering, software development, integration, and test teams to define architecture roadmaps, establish engineering standards, and ensure system designs meet stringent performance, reliability, and security requirements in a DevSecOps environment. The Software Architect will drive end-to-end solutions for real-time embedded and distributed processing systems, support hardware and software integration activities, and lead deep technical reviews for Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). The selected candidate will interface regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives, to communicate technical status, resolve complex issues, and ensure alignment between system requirements, software implementation, and delivered capabilities on a highly visible missile defense program. Designs and develops system architectures, and defines key capabilities and performance requirements. Defines design and technology maturity constraints of the system in accordance with customer specifications. Develops thorough definition of system external interfaces. Defines system implementation approach and operational concept. Ensures requirements are met and evaluates performance with customer.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 12+ years of software engineering experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of stated experience, or a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of stated experience.
- Demonstrated experience as a senior software engineer or architect leading complex software-intensive systems on large defense or aerospace programs.
- Strong understanding and application of Systems and Software Engineering fundamentals in a DevSecOps environment, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
- Proven ability to conduct goal planning, define and maintain technical roadmaps, and coordinate architectural decisions across multiple development teams.
- Experience applying complex engineering tools and processes, including engineering standards, configuration management, engineering review boards, process control, systems engineering, and software development best practices.
- Demonstrated performance in hardware and software integration for complex, mission-critical systems.
- Knowledge of real-time embedded systems and distributed real-time processing architectures.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
- Experience with Java, JavaFX, and C++ in a Linux-based environment.
- Experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
- Must have an active US Government Secret Security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant STEM discipline.
- Prior experience supporting Missile Defense Agency or similar missile defense, command and control, or battle management programs.
- Experience leading or participating in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), including hardware and software deliverable-focused deep dives and technical reviews.
- Hands-on experience with real-time embedded frameworks, middleware, and distributed messaging or data processing technologies used in mission-critical systems.
- Experience implementing secure software practices and integrating cybersecurity requirements into the architecture within a DevSecOps pipeline.
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and practices, and their application to software-intensive systems.
- Experience with configuration management tools, CI/CD pipelines, and automated build, test, and deployment environments on RHEL.
- Strong track record of technical leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines.
- Prior customer-facing experience presenting technical approaches, trade studies, and risk/mitigation strategies to government stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and architectural direction across multiple software development teams in a demanding, mission-focused environment.
- Collaborate with systems engineering, software development, integration, and test teams to define architecture roadmaps, establish engineering standards, and ensure system designs meet stringent performance, reliability, and security requirements in a DevSecOps environment.
- Drive end-to-end solutions for real-time embedded and distributed processing systems.
- Support hardware and software integration activities.
- Lead deep technical reviews for Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
- Interface regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives, to communicate technical status, resolve complex issues, and ensure alignment between system requirements, software implementation, and delivered capabilities on a highly visible missile defense program.
- Designs and develops system architectures, and defines key capabilities and performance requirements.
- Defines design and technology maturity constraints of the system in accordance with customer specifications.
- Develops thorough definition of system external interfaces.
- Defines system implementation approach and operational concept.
- Ensures requirements are met and evaluates performance with customer.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- Annual bonuses
- Long Term Incentives (for Vice President or Director positions)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
