About Us

A leading global security company, Northrop Grumman provides innovative products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber security, and complex logistics to government and commercial clients.

Size: 10000+ employees
Industry: Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology

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RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Sector, Space Superiority Division, seeks a qualified Systems Engineer to serve as the Chief Engineer for a Space Vehicle Development program within the Rapid Innovations Operating Unit (RI OU). The qualified candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team executing the design and development of a Space Vehicle and its associated Mission, as well as support capture efforts for future phases of the program.

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In this leadership level role, the Chief Engineer is expected to be self-directed using previous experience to lead design, analysis, and execution efforts, while also recognizing and mitigating technical issues/risks that may impact capability, cost, or schedule. Regular interaction with senior business leadership and the Customer is expected, meaning that presentation skills and particularly the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to either technical or nontechnical audiences is required.

The Chief Engineer has technical oversight for the program, and primary duties include:* Serving as the primary technical advisor to the program manager* Lead/Provide major support to the entire space segment technical team* Assisting senior program leadership on shaping customer acquisition strategy* Leveraging NG capabilities and technologies to meet customer goals and objectives* Coordinating internal responses to cross-segment issues and providing high level briefings on major decision points to senior leadership* Ensuring that all engineering teams adhere to sound engineering processes, in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards* Planning and managing technical reviews* Working with the lead systems engineer to ensure that givers/receivers, GFx and other roadblocks are quickly identified and countered* Leading / supporting on-ramp of new system capabilities through studies or ECPs* Managing the integration of complex payloads onto an existing platform* Mentoring, training, and directing junior staff Successful candidates will also demonstrate an attitude and approach founded in the following key characteristics:* Data Driven: Able to coordinate and organize large amounts of data from a diverse team into key take-aways* Schedule Driven: Quickly driving issues to closure or decision point* Demonstrated track record of being a solutions-oriented high energy problem solver* Able to focus on short term objectives and understanding how they fit into the longer term planBasic Qualifications: ** Bachelor's Degree STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related technical field, and 12 years of applicable experience; a Master's Degree and 10 years of applicable experience; Must possess a current or active Top Secret / SCI Clearance at time of application.* Experience with space mission development / architecture, as well as spacecraft design and development* Experience working small- or medium-size Government programs* Experience leading a team of engineers* Demonstrated strong communication skills (verbal and written) with experience briefing executive and customer leadership* Experience in the Space Security DomainPreferred Qualifications: ** >10yrs of direct experience with Space systems Current Program access* Exposure to Northrop Grumman space vehicle design and production* Experience with Class B, C or D Space Programs* Knowledge of aerospace environmental testing standards* Experience with ground segment design, development, and sustainment* Established network of contacts in other NG divisions/sectors/programs* Experience working as a primary subcontractor CAM / engineering project management experience Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $221,300.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Dulles, VA

Job ID: Northrop Grumman-R10218530

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-08T19:46:05
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Perks and Benefits

Health and Wellness

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• HSA
• HSA With Employer Contribution
• On-Site Gym
• Pet Insurance
• Mental Health Benefits
• Virtual Fitness Classes

Parental Benefits

• Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
• Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
• Fertility Benefits
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Family Support Resources
• Adoption Leave

Work Flexibility

• Flexible Work Hours
• Remote Work Opportunities
• Hybrid Work Opportunities
• Four-Day Work Week

Office Life and Perks

• Commuter Benefits Program
• Company Outings
• On-Site Cafeteria
• Holiday Events

Vacation and Time Off

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Sabbatical
• Leave of Absence

Financial and Retirement

• 401(K)
• 401(K) With Company Matching
• Performance Bonus
• Relocation Assistance
• Financial Counseling
• Profit Sharing

Professional Development

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Promote From Within
• Mentor Program
• Shadowing Opportunities
• Access to Online Courses
• Lunch and Learns
• Internship Program
• Leadership Training Program
• Associate or Rotational Training Program

Diversity and Inclusion

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