Distributed Systems - Senior Staff Systems Architect
Ngc· enterprise· Defense· Sep 17, 2026 · 1mo ago
Baltimore, MD
In office
Full-time
Staff
$184K–$276K
14+ years exp
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 Mission System’s Engineering and Sciences (E&S) Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) Division is seeking a Senior Staff Systems Architect to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals. You will support the Program Manager and Chief Engineer as System Architect on multiple major development programs.
This position will be in Baltimore, MD, and is a full time on site role.
What You’ll Get to Do:
The Senior Staff Systems Architect within the Distributed Systems Engineering group will serve as the authority for system architecture and design, responsible for creating, evolving, and maintaining the system architecture to meet operational needs while accounting for cost, schedule, and risk. This role will also tailor system requirement margins based on risk and ensure compliance with Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). In addition, the Staff Systems Architect is responsible for maintaining alignment between the selected solution and relevant internal roadmaps, product lines, and common components, as applicable.
Lead and serve as the primary authority for system architecture and design within the Distributed Systems Engineering group
Direct, manage, and oversee the creation, evolution, and maintenance of the overall system architecture to meet operational needs
Proactively manage architectural decisions to ensure alignment with cost, schedule, and risk constraints
Lead the tailoring of system requirements margins based on risk assessments and ensure compliance with Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)
Manage and maintain alignment between the selected solution and internal roadmaps, product lines, and/or common components, as applicable
This position is contingent the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree with 14 years of experience, a master’s degree with 12 years of experience, or a PhD with 10 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
U.S Citizenship is required.
A current/active U.S Government Secret Clearance.
Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
Experience creating, evolving and maintaining system architecture.
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadership.
Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.
Active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher.
Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems.
Experience in Design, Architecture development, Analysis, Systems Engineering, Integration and/or Test in one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, optics, threat analysis.
Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
Experience defining Concept of Operations (ConOps), KPPs, and associated Technical Performance Measures (TPMs), Operational Concepts (OpsCon).
Experience collaborating across programs and product lines.
Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross reference artifacts.
Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00
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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