Sr Principal Engineer Systems Architect (26-060)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Colorado Springs
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available 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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Engineer Systems Architect (26-060) to join our talented and diverse team. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, or Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels. This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options. Position Overview: The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations, monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations globally and regionally to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems. C2BMC is an engaging and evolving program in the Missile Defense and Space sectors. It has a long history of delivering solutions to the Missile Defense Agency and remains under contract for innovative projects in both areas. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work across C2BMC’s missile defense and space efforts. They will join an integrated architecture and systems engineering team on a multi-company program, responsible for defining the operational, physical, functional, and technical architecture that reflects the vision and capabilities of an advancing C2BMC initiative. This role involves designing missile defense command, control, and battle management systems in an environment that integrates existing or COTS/GOTS components with DoD interoperability standards. The candidate will also analyze high-level requirements using a structured, logical approach. Essential Functions: · Will be responsible for developing System Architecture solutions and concepts for new and emerging capabilities of the C2BMC system, working alongside other Architects such as the lead Systems Architect, software architects, network architect, and cyber architect · Works with various teams, such as software developers, network engineers, cyber engineers, DevSecOps, infrastructure, testing, and deployment groups, to develop System Architecture solutions. This encompasses both physical and logical architecture throughout the system · Will collaborate with project leads, product owners, and MDA customers · Will present architectural concepts to diverse audiences and act as the main point for the System Architecture of the Capability, overseeing development, testing, and deployment · Will participate in internal and external design reviews · The candidate may help document or review architecture using an MBSE tool like CAMEO · Keeps up to date with current and emerging technologies and design practices in DoD Command and Control, as well as COTS/FOSS IT products · May serve in project leadership roles and represent the organization as the prime customer contact on significant technical matters under contract · Must have the desire to be a Systems Architect on a complex Command and Control DoD Program · Must have excellent communication skills and be able to present technical concepts to a diverse group of engineers Basic Qualifications: Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree ( preferred ) in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or PhD with 4 years of relevant work experience. 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree Applicants must have a current, active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security CE, CCNA-Security, CySA, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their DoD 8140 certification throughout the entire contract period Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs Preferred Qualifications: At least two of the following skills: 1. Over two years of experience with C2BMC or similar complex DoD Command and Control (C2) systems. 2. Proven ability to develop new System Architecture concepts and solutions. 3. Background in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software, or Networking within an integrated team, working with systems, software, and specialized engineers to create solutions for a DoD Program. 4. Experience as a Technical Lead Systems Engineering SME, or technical leader in Systems Engineering within the Missile Defense, Space, or Link 16 domains Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering is preferred Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification Certification: Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Fundamental (OCSMP - MBF) Candidate must have Systems Engineering/Architecture with Test Experience as a desired skill, on a DoD Program We are looking for the following additional skillsets/experience: Experience working within a team that designs systems using existing COTS/GOTS components, ensuring compatibility with DoD interoperability standards Experience working in an integrated team environment with other systems, software, and specialty engineers to develop solutions Experience with the identification and definition of system capabilities; communicating the system capabilities to a diverse group of developers, engineers, subject matter experts, and users; and generating architecture artifacts to document and control the achievement of the system capabilities Experience developing systems engineering and architecture artifacts (e.g., specifications, Interface Control Documents, Use Cases, System Architecture Descriptions, Trade Studies) Experience creating briefings, creating and reviewing architecture designs and artifacts, and presenting at DoD Customer Design Reviews Experience leading technical teams in DoD Systems Engineering or Development projects Familiarity with Private Cloud solutions and IT technologies, including VMware/Nutanix, Red Hat, and network solutions Familiarity with DoD Cyber requirements, RMF, and associated solutions Familiarity with software development and Java-based software Understanding DevSecOps and Digital Engineering Transformation (DET) methodologies and solutions Familiarity with Agile development Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and the Cameo tool Experience with requirements management tools, such as DOORS What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth, supporting both employees and the company's success. The benefits at Northrop Grumman are flexible and customizable, allowing you to select options that best meet your needs and your family's. Your benefits will include the following: · Health Plan · Savings Plan · Paid Time Off · Education Assistance · Training and Development · Flexible Work Arrangements https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx NGSpace COSpace NGFeaturedJobs C2BMC Colorado: $129,300 - $193,900 Alabama: $135,800 - $203,600 Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 The 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Parker , Sr Principal Engineer Systems Architect (26-060), IT / Software / Systems , Colorado Springs, Colorado