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Staff Engineer Systems - X-Lab Chief Scientist

Yesterday Colorado Springs, CO

CO Salary Range: USD 155,400.00 - 233,200.00 per year

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: 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 Space Systems-Launch and Missile Defense Systems presents an excellent opportunity for a Staff Engineer Systems - X-Lab Chief Scientist to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. This position, based at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels.
Relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and this role requires on-site work with no remote options.
Position Overview:
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a crucial part of the Missile Defense System. It offers an essential operational platform that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and tactical levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, monitor battle progress, and actively manage networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC provides a layered missile defense capability, delivering an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It acts as a force multiplier by connecting, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations both worldwide and locally to enhance overall performance. Additionally, C2BMC is a vital component of all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the missile defense system's current and future capabilities.
The X-Lab Chief Scientist will play an essential role in shaping and advancing technical capabilities within a dynamic environment, innovating and providing thought leadership for missile defense projects. The ideal candidate will have a mix of technical expertise, leadership, and communication skills, and will excel in a fast-paced, mission-focused workplace. This role will involve solving complex problems, supporting technology roadmaps, and encouraging collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams to meet programmatic and governmental needs.

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This position provides exciting opportunities to develop and shape emerging capabilities vital to national defense. The chosen individual will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success and enhance technological readiness.
Essential Functions:

An adaptable professional who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with changing priorities.
A collaborative team member capable of working seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams while providing leadership, initiative, and innovation
Superior written and verbal communication skills to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions to diverse audiences, including program leaders and government stakeholders
Extensive experience working with the missile defense kill-chain, including missile kinematics, aero and orbital dynamics, track processing, and modeling & analysis
Ability to conduct trade studies, develop courses of action, and assist with technology roadmaps and experiment planning
Proven ability to quickly integrate with technical teams and work independently or as a task leader
Basic Qualifications:
Please include your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

A Bachelor's Degree in STEM fields such as Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline from an accredited university is preferred, along with 12 years of relevant work experience; or a Master's degree (preferred) in a STEM-related field with 10 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in a related field with 8 years of relevant experience
Applicants must possess a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be cleared at SCI clearance
Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% to support business needs are required
Proven ability to take initiative and offer technical thought leadership, even in uncertain situations or without specific requirements or guidance
Proficiency with MATLAB and similar programming languages such as Python, Perl, Bash, Mathematica, and JavaScript
Fluency in Linux environments, including shell scripting (bash, csh)
Familiarity with basic computer networking concepts (UDP, TCP/IP, network boundaries, firewalls)
Knowledge of C2BMC suite architecture and scripted automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Kubernetes)
Experience with Monte Carlo analysis, statistical regression, and other analytical techniques
Functional familiarity with modeling languages such as SysML or UML
Strong math and physics foundation, including proficiency in probability and statistics, linear algebra, and calculus
Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Systems Engineering is highly preferred
Graduate Certificate: Model-Based Systems Engineering (Ex, Stevens, Caltech, UCSD, USC, GWU, INCOSE cohort, etc.)
Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification
Certification: Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Intermediate (OCSMP - MBI)
Strong analytical background and experience with ballistic missile defense programs and domains, including participation in Ground Test and Flight Test campaigns
Experience with C2BMC systems or ballistic missile defense technologies
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers an extensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth, benefiting both employees and the company's success. The benefits provided by Northrop Grumman give you flexibility and control to choose options that best meet your needs and those of your family. 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
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Additional Northrop Grumman Information:*
Primary Level Salary Range: $155,400.00 - $233,200.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Colorado Springs, CO
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10204512
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2025-08-20T20:12:24

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

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