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Northrop Grumman

Defense contractor for aerospace, space, cybersecurity

Consulting Chief Engineer

Full-TimePosted on 10/4/2026
$202.5k - $303.7k
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Baltimore, MD, USA
In PersonOn-site role; travel up to 10% of the time.
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree with 16 or more years of experience, a master's degree with 14 or more years of experience, or a PhD with 12 or more years of experience in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional four years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • A current, active U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
  • Experience leading Integrated Product Team initiatives, driving technical direction, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
  • Extensive background in systems engineering, integration, and test (SEIT), with a track record of successful program execution.
  • Solid understanding of electro-optical/infrared design principles and architecture.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Responsibilities
  • Manage technical development and direction for all aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.
  • Collect and provide required data for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems program reporting of engineering performance.
  • Serve as the technical authority for the program, including chairing the Technical Review Board.
  • Serve as the engineering team liaison for communications to and from Program Management, Manufacturing, Operations, customers, and other functional organizations.
  • Oversee technical content for system design reviews, including System Requirements Review, System Functional Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, System Verification Review, and Test Readiness Review, including entrance and exit criteria.
  • Ensure integration of the overall technical plan within the Integrated Master Schedule.
  • Ensure overall technical quality and performance for all engineering content for the program.
  • Ensure the program adheres to sound engineering processes in development, production, test, and sustainment in accordance with company policies, processes, and quality standards.
  • Drive process development, continuous improvement, and affordability initiatives within associated programs.
  • Collaborate and arbitrate, if required, with all Product Team Leads to resolve engineering conflicts.
  • Support the program manager in risk and opportunity management by identifying and owning risks associated with system performance.
  • Perform program-specific responsibilities allocated to the role by engineering functional and program management.
  • Coordinate among the System Architect, SEIT Lead, Product Team Leads, program manager, and customer to ensure the integrity and executability of the program technical baseline.
Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, or related technical fields.
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance or higher.
  • Experience as a Control Account Manager managing Earned Value Management System projects.
  • Domain expertise in defense sensor systems.
  • Experience with technical development and direction for multiple aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.
  • Experience coordinating with external subcontractors, prime contractors, and/or suppliers.

About the company

Northrop Grumman is a defense and space contractor that designs, builds, and integrates advanced military aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies. Its products range from stealth aircraft and space telescopes to autonomous systems and cybersecurity solutions, delivered as end-to-end platforms across air, land, sea, and space. The company differentiates itself through its history of combining aerospace engineering with software and sensors, a scale-built by merging Northrop and Grumman and later adding defense and space acquisitions. Its goal is to secure national defense and enable scientific exploration by providing trusted, integrated systems at scale.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Founded

1939

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 21, 2026 backlog hit $104.7 billion, with $20 billion net awards.
  • September 30, 2026 Army awarded $18.8 million for XRC ramjet propulsion development.
  • September 23, 2026 GHOST-R awards place Northrop on Space Force GEO reconnaissance prototypes.

What critics are saying

  • July 21, 2026 margins fell to 10.1%, pressured by Defense Systems and Space programs.
  • May 2026 Baltimore layoffs showed program volatility already hits Mission Systems headcount.
  • Sentinel restructuring and B-21 production ramp concentrate existential execution risk through 2030.

What makes Northrop Grumman unique

  • Northrop Grumman owns B-21, Sentinel, and CIRCM, spanning stealth, missiles, and survivability.
  • October 2026 FORTITUDE gallium nitride chips compress spectrum processing onto grain-of-rice hardware.
  • October 2026 Gilbert and Layton expansions deepen aerospace manufacturing around Arizona and Utah.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Performance Bonus

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

↓ -1%

1 year growth

↓ -1%

2 year growth

↓ -1%
MarketScreener
Oct 2nd, 2026
Northrop Grumman corporation introduces FORTITUDE? Chip technology.

Northrop Grumman corporation introduces FORTITUDE? Chip technology. Published on 10/02/2026 at 11:35 am EDT S&P Capital IQ Northrop Grumman?s FORTITUDE? processed vast portions of the electromagnetic spectrum on a single, grain-of-rice?sized gallium nitride chip. The future-ready technology delivers three times more power and 20 times better signal quality, helping satellites, radar, GPS, electronic warfare and future 6G systems stay connected with clearer, more reliable performance. Previously known as the Super Lattice Castellated Field Effect Transistor, FORTITUDE? builds on the company?s focused research and development and substantial investment in microelectronics to replace dozens of components, cutting weight, and slashing power consumption while delivering greater value for the end system. Built in the U.S. for both commercial and defense markets, FORTITUDE? simplifies system architectures and opens new opportunities for faster, more dependable communications across next generation platforms. (C) S&P Capital IQ - 2026

Utah Business
Oct 2nd, 2026
Northrop Grumman continues in-space industry leadership with new facility opening in Arizona.

Northrop Grumman continues in-space industry leadership with new facility opening in Arizona. Company investment expands workforce capacity and further solidifies Gilbert as a critical hub for advanced space manufacturing and engineering. Northrop Grumman // Oct 1, 2026 GILBERT, Ariz. - Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) is deepening its long-term commitment to Arizona's advanced manufacturing and space engineering expertise with the opening of the new A1 building on the company's Gilbert campus. Northrop Grumman senior leaders joined local, state, and federal elected officials, community partners, and employees to celebrate the opening of the new A1 building on the company's Gilbert, Arizona, campus. The 120,000-square-foot facility adds substantial office, classified, integration and test, and mission support space to advance critical space missions for national security, civil and commercial customers. Northrop Grumman is deepening its long-term commitment to Arizona and the greater Phoenix metro area as a key hub for advanced manufacturing and space engineering, creating high-skilled jobs, bolstering the regional industrial base and helping shape the future of the U.S. space economy.

ABC15
Oct 1st, 2026
Northrop Grumman expands space operations in Gilbert.

Northrop Grumman expands space operations in Gilbert. New 120,000-square-foot facility adds space for growing satellite programs Northrop Grumman is expanding its Gilbert campus as the company grows its space operations and brings additional work to the East Valley Posted 5:55 PM, Sep 30, 2026 GILBERT, AZ - Northrop Grumman is expanding its space operations in Gilbert with a new 120,000-square-foot facility designed to support the company's growing satellite programs. The company says the new building adds office, integration and testing space at Northrop Grumman's Gilbert campus, where the company says more than 1,000 people work across engineering, manufacturing and other operations. Northrop Grumman says it builds and tests spacecraft in Gilbert for national security, civil and commercial missions. The company says its East Valley operations are connected, with rockets built at its Chandler operation and satellites built in Gilbert. "In Chandler, we make rockets to launch satellites into space," said Wes, Northrop Grumman's vice president of launch systems. "Here in Gilbert, we make the satellites that are launched on our rockets from Chandler." The company also says 350 jobs connected to its Glide Phase Interceptor program are coming to Gilbert from Chandler because it has run out of space at the Chandler site. The expansion comes as Northrop Grumman says it continues to grow its presence across Arizona. The company says it employs about 3,800 people statewide and estimates its operations have a roughly $5 billion economic impact in Arizona. "Today's opening represents even more work coming here to Arizona," Wes said. The location of the expansion is also significant to Gilbert leaders. The Northrop Grumman campus is in northwest Gilbert, an area Mayor Scott Anderson said the town is paying particular attention to as it seeks additional investment. "We want to see investments being made into this part of town," Anderson said. He also said the town wants people working in the area to consider living nearby.

Defensehere
Sep 30th, 2026
Northrop Grumman to develop XRC ramjet propulsion.

Northrop Grumman to develop XRC ramjet propulsion. 30 September 2026 - 19:09 Northrop Grumman said it will develop and produce solid fuel ramjet propulsion for U.S. Army XRC missile prototypes under an $18.8 million contract, with ground and flight testing planned. To address the evolving challenges of detecting and defeating unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) will develop next-generation air-breathing propulsion for the U.S. Army, significantly enhancing the range and air defense capabilities of the Army's eXtended Range Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC). A leader in air-breathing tactical propulsion, Northrop Grumman will develop and produce solid fuel ramjet propulsion technology for integration into XRC missile prototypes under this $18.8 million contract with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. Unlike solid rocket motors, which utilize propellant containing fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use atmospheric oxygen as the oxidizer for the fuel during flight, freeing internal volume for additional fuel. The result is a more efficient propulsion system that delivers greater range and energy, enabling engagement of highly maneuverable aerial threats at safer distances from protected forces. The development will include a comprehensive ground and flight test campaign to validate the design and production processes. The resulting design will support scalable, cost-effective manufacturing to meet urgent defense requirements quickly. Erik Buice, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman: "The rapid evolution of unmanned aerial threats demands innovative solutions. By aligning the Army's vision for next-generation air defense with our advanced propulsion expertise, we're delivering capability that engages targets farther away, protects mobile forces and strengthens layered defense against emerging aerial threats." Development for the XRC program will be conducted at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, a premier Northrop Grumman-operated facility specializing in advanced propulsion systems and energetics. The XRC program focuses on enhancing the performance of the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system - designed to protect maneuvering forces from low-altitude aerial threats. Additionally, the system's compatibility with the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher improves defense against advanced unmanned aerial systems as well as traditional fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. With adversaries increasingly deploying sophisticated unmanned systems, the XRC program's extended-range capabilities is a vital element within the Army's layered air defense strategy. Northrop Grumman's deep involvement in the Army's broader counter-UAS ecosystem also includes providing the foundational command-and-control network, kinetic options and propulsion expertise leveraged by advanced interceptor systems. As prime contractor for the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system - the Army's official short-range air defense program of record - Northrop Grumman plays an essential role in modernizing U.S. Army air defense. Additionally, the company's AI-driven AiON command system supports managing multiple sensors and engaging mass drone swarms, enhancing the tactical response to these emerging threats. Northrop Grumman is also advancing Raid Hunter(TM), the 50mm Gun-Based Air Defense system delivering a cost-effective, high-engagement-capacity solution designed to defeat mass, mixed air raids and enhance protection of maneuver forces and critical infrastructure within a layered CUAS defense framework. Northrop Grumman remains committed to pioneering advanced technologies that keep warfighters safe and preserve mission success through scalable, integrated and highly effective defense solutions. WPML eklentisi aktif değil veya çeviriler mevcut değil. Last 24 Hours Last 7 Days Last 30 Days

UAS Vision
Sep 30th, 2026
Northrop Grumman to accelerate extended-range C-UAS missile technology for US Army.

Northrop Grumman to accelerate extended-range C-UAS missile technology for US Army. To address the evolving challenges of detecting and defeating unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges, Northrop Grumman will develop next-generation air-breathing propulsion for the U.S. Army, significantly enhancing the range and air defense capabilities of the Army's eXtended Range Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC). A leader in air-breathing tactical propulsion, Northrop Grumman will develop and integrate solid fuel ramjet propulsion technology for integration into XRC missile prototypes under this $18.8 million contract with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. Unlike solid rocket motors, which utilize propellant containing fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use atmospheric oxygen as the oxidizer for the fuel during flight, freeing internal volume for additional fuel. The result is a more efficient propulsion system that delivers greater range and energy, enabling engagement of highly maneuverable aerial threats at safer distances from protected forces. The development will include a comprehensive ground and flight test campaign to validate the design and production processes. The resulting design will support scalable, cost-effective manufacturing to meet urgent defense requirements quickly. Erik Buice, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman: "The rapid evolution of unmanned aerial threats demands innovative solutions. By aligning the Army's vision for next-generation air defence with our advanced propulsion expertise, we're delivering capability that engages targets farther away, protects mobile forces and strengthens layered defence against emerging aerial threats." Development for the XRC program will be conducted at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, a premier Northrop Grumman-operated facility specializing in advanced propulsion systems and energetics. The XRC program focuses on enhancing the performance of the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system - designed to protect maneuvering forces from low-altitude aerial threats. Additionally, the system's compatibility with the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher improves defence against advanced unmanned aerial systems as well as traditional fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. With adversaries increasingly deploying sophisticated unmanned systems, the XRC program's extended-range capabilities is a vital element within the Army's layered air defense strategy. Northrop Grumman's deep involvement in the Army's broader counter-UAS ecosystem also includes providing the foundational command-and-control network, kinetic options and propulsion expertise leveraged by advanced interceptor systems. As prime contractor for the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system - the Army's official short-range air defence program of record - Northrop Grumman plays an essential role in modernizing U.S. Army air defense. Additionally, the company's AI-driven AiON command system supports managing multiple sensors and engaging mass drone swarms, enhancing the tactical response to these emerging threats. Northrop Grumman is also advancing Raid Hunter, the 50mm Gun-Based Air Defense system delivering a cost-effective, high-engagement-capacity solution designed to defeat mass, mixed air raids and enhance protection of maneuver forces and critical infrastructure within a layered CUAS defence framework.