Staff Engineer Systems Architect (MBSE)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 2, 2026 · 26d ago
United States-California-San Diego · United States-California-El Segundo
In office
Full-time
Staff
$180K–$242K est.
Job description
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 Aeronautical Systems Research and Advanced Development (R&AD) is seeking a Staff / Sr Staff MBSE Architect to support a next-generation campaign effort. This role is ideal for a highly motivated technical leader who thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and is energized by hard problems, rapid learning, and building new approaches where no template exists. This position is located either in San Diego, CA or El Segundo, CA .
The selected candidate will lead the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to shape system architecture, mission concepts, and technical solutions for advanced aerospace and defense applications. We are looking for someone with deep MBSE expertise, strong systems thinking, and the drive, judgment, and work ethic to help teams move faster and smarter.
Key Responsibilities
Lead MBSE architecture development for advanced concept and campaign efforts.
Develop and apply system models using SysML v2 and UAF.
Translate mission needs into architecture, requirements, behaviors, interfaces, and traceable model artifacts.
Support technical trades, concept development, and decision-making for next-generation capabilities.
Help establish scalable modeling approaches, standards, and digital engineering practices.
Partner across systems engineering, software, hardware, integration, and mission teams.
Communicate complex technical ideas clearly to both engineering teams and leadership.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with relevant systems engineering experience.
Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) on complex aerospace, defense, or advanced technology efforts.
Hands-on experience with SysML v2 and UAF.
Strong background in system architecture, requirements analysis, interface definition, and technical decomposition.
Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, less-defined environments.
Strong communication, ownership, and collaboration skills.
Must have a Secret Level Clearance to Start
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Systems Engineering or related technical field.
Experience supporting advanced development, campaign, or early-phase concept work.
Experience influencing technical direction across cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to solve hard problems with urgency, creativity, and discipline.
Familiarity with digital engineering environments and model-based architecture methods.
What We’re Looking For
Engineers who run toward hard problems
High-ownership, low-ego teammates
Fast learners who can bring structure to ambiguity
Strong bias for action and technical rigor
People who elevate the team, not just their own work
Resilient, curious, mission-focused contributors who consistently deliver
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off