Staff Systems Engineer- Ship Construction & Sensor Installation
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: 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.At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
The Surface Ship Construction & Sensor Installation Subject Matter Expert provides technical leadership and expertise across all phases of U.S. Navy surface combatant construction, integration, and testing. This role supports government and industry partners by advising on shipbuilding processes, combat system and sensor installation requirements, schedule integration, risk management, and system readiness. The SME ensures that ship construction and modernization efforts meet Navy technical standards, program objectives, and fleet operational requirements.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Advise on all phases of surface ship construction, including structural build, module integration, outfitting, and test events.
Evaluate shipbuilder progress, production quality, material readiness, and adherence to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) specifications.
Support design reviews, drawings, work packages, and configuration management activities.
Provide expertise on installation, alignment, and integration of major sensors, including:
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Radar arrays (e.g., SPY-series, AN/SPS-series)
EO/IR systems
EW/ES systems
Ensure sensor installation meets configuration, EMI/EMC, cooling, power, cyber, and alignment requirements.
Support Combat Systems Light-Off (CSLO), testing, and certification events.
Serve as a technical advisor to Program Offices (PEOs), shipyards, and fleet stakeholders.
Identify risks to schedule, cost, and technical performance; recommend mitigation strategies.
Support ship checks, readiness assessments, trials, and milestone reviews (e.g., HM&E Light-Off, Builder's Trials, Acceptance Trials).
Interpret NAVSEA technical manuals, interface control documents, and ship specifications.
Translate operational fleet needs into technical requirements for construction and modernization programs.
Ensure ship capabilities align with mission profiles, Combat System requirements, and CONOPS.
This position is contingent upon contract award, and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, master's degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
U.S Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance
Experience with Navy surface ship construction, modernization, or Combat Systems integration experience.
Experience with with NAVSEA processes, shipyard production, and sensor/combat system installation requirements.
Experience with supporting ship trials, test events, and fleet introduction.
Experience with with shipyards, OEMs, government engineers, and fleet representatives.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineer, or Mathematics or other related technical fields.
A current / active DoD Top Secret Clearance or higher
Prior experience with a Navy Program Office (e.g., PEO Ships, PEO IWS).
Background as a Navy Combat Systems Officer, Systems Test Officer, ET/FC/AE/OS/GM Chief or Senior Engineer.
* Experience as a Control Account Manager (CAM).
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The 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.
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
Company Videos
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