Staff Systems Engineer- Ship Construction & Sensor Installation

Northrop Grumman•Roselle, IL

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. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. The Surface Ship Construction & Sensor Installation Subject Matter Expert provides technical leadership and expertise across all phases of U.S. Navy surface combatant construction, integration, and testing. This role supports government and industry partners by advising on shipbuilding processes, combat system and sensor installation requirements, schedule integration, risk management, and system readiness. The SME ensures that ship construction and modernization efforts meet Navy technical standards, program objectives, and fleet operational requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, master's degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
U.S Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance
Experience with Navy surface ship construction, modernization, or Combat Systems integration experience.
Experience with with NAVSEA processes, shipyard production, and sensor/combat system installation requirements.
Experience with supporting ship trials, test events, and fleet introduction.
Experience with with shipyards, OEMs, government engineers, and fleet representatives.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineer, or Mathematics or other related technical fields.
A current / active DoD Top Secret Clearance or higher
Prior experience with a Navy Program Office (e.g., PEO Ships, PEO IWS).
Background as a Navy Combat Systems Officer, Systems Test Officer, ET/FC/AE/OS/GM Chief or Senior Engineer.
E xperience as a Control Account Manager (CAM).

Responsibilities

Advise on all phases of surface ship construction, including structural build, module integration, outfitting, and test events.
Evaluate shipbuilder progress, production quality, material readiness, and adherence to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) specifications.
Support design reviews, drawings, work packages, and configuration management activities.
Provide expertise on installation, alignment, and integration of major sensors, including: Radar arrays (e.g., SPY-series, AN/SPS-series) EO/IR systems EW/ES systems
Ensure sensor installation meets configuration, EMI/EMC, cooling, power, cyber, and alignment requirements.
Support Combat Systems Light-Off (CSLO), testing, and certification events.
Serve as a technical advisor to Program Offices (PEOs), shipyards, and fleet stakeholders.
Identify risks to schedule, cost, and technical performance; recommend mitigation strategies.
Support ship checks, readiness assessments, trials, and milestone reviews (e.g., HM&E Light-Off, Builder's Trials, Acceptance Trials).
Interpret NAVSEA technical manuals, interface control documents, and ship specifications.
Translate operational fleet needs into technical requirements for construction and modernization programs.
Ensure ship capabilities align with mission profiles, Combat System requirements, and CONOPS.