Staff Systems Architect (Environmental Control Systems)
Ngc· startup· Defense· Sep 29, 2026 · 29d ago
El Segundo, CA
In office
Full-time
Staff
$177K–$266K
12+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.
Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Staff Systems Architect (Environmental Control Systems) to our team in El Segundo, CA or San Diego, CA.
The selected candidate will be responsible for the development and design of Environmental Control Systems, including trade studies, system test & verification, and troubleshooting.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Work as part of a large multi-disciplined team of subsystems design/architecture engineers.
Perform and lead system and component analysis of complex fluid thermal systems.
Perform system related analysis in support of the development of aircraft subsystems as well as the integration of aircraft avionics and the installation of various aircraft hardware. Analysis includes, but is not limited to: subsystem performance modeling, liquid cooling systems, air cycle systems, fluid distribution systems, and compartment temperature assessments as influenced by structural heat transfer and compartment heat sources.
Develop ECS architectures and aid in control logic development
Responsible engineer activities, which include all aspects of system/component design and development including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system test & verification, and troubleshooting. These activities may also include participating on a subcontractor management team and will act as the technical point of contact with suppliers for hardware development, qualification, and procurement.
Perform system level test planning, execution support, verification, data processing, and troubleshooting.
Perform system level evaluations to verify requirements and ensure airworthiness criteria are met.
Attend internal program, customer and/or supplier technical exchange meetings, and/or formal program milestone reviews to provide and/or obtain progress status updates.
Coordinate across cross-functional Engineering teams to resolve technical issues
Define design and technology maturity constraints of the system in accordance with customer specifications
Develop thorough definition of system external interfaces and define system implementation approach and operational concept.
Ensure requirements are met and evaluate performance with customer.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no telework option for this position.
This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 10 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience.
Experience leading thermal fluid architecture development for air vehicle environmental control subsystems
Technical experience performing analysis of hybrid power and thermal systems and their controls
Experience working with compressible fluids
Technical interfacing with suppliers
Hands-on experience with fluid supply components design life cycle including design, manufacturing, qualification, RCCA, delivery, integration, and test
Active US Government Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP/SAR).
Preferred Qualifications:
Competent in MATLAB/Simulink, AMESIM, or similar analysis tools
Experience with two-phase cooling design and analysis.
Experience performing thermal analysis for air vehicle structure, payloads, and/or subsystems.
Experience using thermal analysis tools (SINDA/G, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop)
Experience leading a technical team in the execution of air vehicle development program/project.
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
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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