Systems Engineer Level 5 - Ground Test IPT lead

About this role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: 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 - Launch Vehicles Division is hiring a Systems Engineer Level 5 - Ground Test IPT lead , located in Chandler, Arizona .

This high-visibility position requires a technical and leadership expert capable of guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams to design, integrate, and deliver cutting-edge kill vehicle systems for hypersonic environments. The ideal candidate will have strong avionics design expertise, a deep understanding of hypersonic system challenges, and proven program management abilities to balance cost, schedule, and quality in executing Ground Test events. Role Overview: You will be responsible for planning the schedule, working with cross functional teams to develop the ground test specific requirements, design, hardware integration plan, oversee the integration and test of the ground test assets, responsible for NG Ground Test operations culminating ground test execution and post-test reporting. Tasked with bespoke design, test planning and execution of ground test events through Navy Certification.  This includes all ground test specific support equipment, integration CONOP development as well as serving as the primary interface for ground test events for the customer.  

What You’ll Get To Do: As the Ground Test Integrated Product Team Lead , you will: • Lead a High-Performing Team : Coordinate a cross-functional engineering team in a high-visibility and fast-paced program environment. Collaborate with diverse groups including Engineering & Program Management, Software and Hardware Engineers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance teams.

• Be a Key Liaison : Work closely with U.S. and Japanese partners, fostering teamwork and collaboration in both domestic and international settings to meet technical and programmatic goals specifically related to MDA/Navy Ground test and Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Qualification Testing.

• Deliver End-to-End Solutions : Drive the test and support equipment design effort across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring the development and integration of several delivered components and subsystems.

• Solve Complex Challenges : Apply your organizational and technical problem-solving skills to ensure successful execution of system designs while addressing development risks and emerging challenges in real-time.

• Communicate at all Levels : Provide technical leadership and support for internal and external executive briefings, including program updates, engineering reviews, and risk management discussions.

• Maintain High Standards : Thrive in a high-expectation environment, demonstrating initiative, meticulous attention to detail, and polished verbal and written communication skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management • Serve as the technical and leadership authority for the Ground Test IPT team, delivering on challenging performance, schedule, and cost objectives.

• Engage, inspire, and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program milestones, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all stakeholders.

• Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, mentorship, and collaboration across internal teams and external partnerships.

System-Level Design Optimization • Apply systems engineering principles to balance multi-discipline trade-offs between mechanical, electrical, software, propulsion, electro-optical, and manufacturing teams.

• Optimize ground test execution by managing diverse requirements, mitigating risks, and resolving system integration challenges.

• Conduct structured trade studies to inform design decisions with practical and achievable solutions that enhance overall reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Subsystem Integration and Testing • Collaborate with the Interceptor Pillar PMO and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO) Pillar PMO to integrate Navy Ground and SMC Qualification test configurations,  to include radio, controller, optical seeker and sensor systems, balancing critical thermal, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.

• Manage technical planning, design, and execution of rigorous subsystem and system-level test campaigns under flight-representative conditions to validate ground and hypersonic system performance.

Stakeholder Management and Communication • Serve as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders, preparing and delivering clear communication on risks, trade-offs, decisions, and successes.

• Partner with internal program management and external vendors to align technical requirements and delivery schedules with program milestones.

• Foster collaborative, trust-based relationships with U.S. and international partners to maintain alignment and ensure mission success.

   Basic Qualifications:  • 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 c

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