Staff IPT Design Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff IPT Design Systems Engineer Company: Northrop Grumman Location: Annapolis Junction, MD / Redondo Beach, CA Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Systems Engineering / Design Operations Date Posted: August 26, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years (Staff Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for leading and integrating design systems engineering efforts at the Integrated Product Team (IPT) level, focusing on complex, multi-segment systems.
• It requires a deep understanding of the Systems Development Lifecycle, with a focus on supporting and driving critical engineering reviews and milestones.
• The position emphasizes the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools for architectural studies, technical baseline definition, and requirements management.
• A key aspect involves leveraging strong leadership and communication skills to motivate and guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Systems Engineer," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a high-level Systems Engineering role focused on the integration and design aspects of complex defense systems, rather than a traditional IT or software systems engineering focus. The "IPT Design" aspect highlights leadership within a specific project team, driving the design and integration of system components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multi-functional design teams at the Segment/IPT level for extremely complex systems, guiding the progression and maturation of the segment design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to cross-functional engineering disciplines (Software, Hardware, Electrical, Specialty Engineering) to achieve project goals.
• Drive and support critical engineering reviews and milestones, including System Requirements Review (SRR), System Functional Review (SFR), System Design Review (SDR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), System Verification Review (SVR), and Test Readiness Review (TRR).
• Champion the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies using tools like UML or SysML for system architecture and design synthesis.
• Manage and maintain the technical baseline, including architectural studies, technical baseline definition, and requirements & interface management throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional communication and collaboration, ensuring alignment between design teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the generation of Integrated Master Plans (IMP) and the breakdown of work into Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for the development of complex systems of systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "IPT Level" and "multi-function design teams" suggests a significant leadership and coordination role, bridging technical design with project execution. The extensive list of engineering reviews implies a need for deep familiarity with the rigor of defense system development lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university.
• Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are highly valued and can offset some experience requirements.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in Systems Engineering or a related technical field with a Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with a Master's degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with a PhD.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate multi-disciplinary engineering teams, providing guidance and support to achieve project goals.
• Demonstrated experience with the Systems Development Lifecycle and successfully supporting major technical and program reviews.
• Proven experience in architectural studies, technical baseline definition, and requirements & interface management.
• Strong understanding of Systems Engineering fundamentals, principles, and processes, particularly in system architecture and design synthesis.

Required Skills:

• Systems Engineering Expertise: Deep knowledge of SE fundamentals, principles, and processes, with a strong focus on system architecture and design synthesis.
• Leadership & Team Motivation: Proven ability to lead, guide, and motivate multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Technical Briefing & Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information and brief stakeholders cross-functionally.
• Model-Based Engineering (MBE): Demonstrated experience using model-based engineering tools such as UML or SysML.
• Requirements & Interface Management: Experience in managing technical baselines, requirements, and system interfaces.
• Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required. Must possess a current active DoD Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance and be able to obtain and maintain a polygraph.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Clearance: Current active DoD TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Complex System Engineering: Experience engineering complex systems incorporating emerging or under-development technologies.
• DoD Systems Engineering Frameworks: Understanding of DoD systems engineering requirements, such as Universal Architecture Framework (UAF) or Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF).
• Software/Hardware Interface Definition: Experience defining interfaces between software teams for microprocessors/microcontrollers.
• Embedded Software Lifecycle: Understanding of the full software lifecycle (specification, design, implementation, integration, debug, maintenance), especially for real-time embedded software.
• MBSE & Requirements Management Tools: Proficiency with MBSE and requirements management tools like Cameo or DOORS.
• Project & Task Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Jira or Confluence.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau.
• IMP/IMS Knowledge: Knowledge of Systems Engineering processing from Integrated Master Plan (IMP) generation to Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) breakdown for complex systems of systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years for Master's, 12+ for Bachelor's) and the "Staff" designation clearly indicate this is a senior-level, highly specialized role requiring significant technical depth and leadership experience in defense systems engineering. The security clearance requirements are non-negotiable and fundamental to the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to lead the technical design and integration of complex systems, showcasing a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Examples of successfully navigating and contributing to major engineering reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.) within defense or aerospace projects.
• Case studies illustrating the application of Systems Engineering principles, including technical baseline definition, requirements management, and interface control.
• Evidence of leading multi-disciplinary teams, highlighting collaboration, conflict resolution, and achieving collective technical objectives.
• Projects demonstrating proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using tools like SysML or UML, showcasing system architecture and design synthesis.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in defining and managing system interfaces, ensuring seamless integration between hardware, software, and other system components.
• Provide examples of developing and maintaining technical baselines, including architectural studies and requirements traceability.
• Demonstrate understanding of the Systems Development Lifecycle, from initial concept through to system verification and validation.
• Include documentation or descriptions of processes used for managing project tasks and schedules, potentially referencing tools like Jira or Confluence.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role would not just list skills but demonstrate their application in complex, real-world projects, particularly within the defense sector. The ability to articulate the process by which these outcomes were achieved is paramount, especially concerning MBSE and lifecycle management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $171,000.00 - $256,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Savings Plan (e.g., 401k)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
• Potential for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses.
• Eligibility for Long Term Incentives may apply for higher-level positions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is assumed to be 40 hours.
• While the role is on-site, the company culture and nature of defense projects may necessitate flexibility to meet critical project deadlines and review milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a general guideline. Northrop Grumman's compensation philosophy considers multiple factors, including the scope of responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. The benefits package is standard for a large, established aerospace and defense contractor.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, specifically focused on advanced microelectronics and integrated systems. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, known for its innovation in areas such as autonomous systems, cyber, command and control, and advanced electronics. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths and project involvement. Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deeply ingrained culture of pioneering spirit, technological advancement, and national security commitment.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC), specifically supporting a Segment/IPT level design team.
• The team is multi-disciplinary, comprising engineers from Software, Hardware, Electrical, and Specialty Engineering disciplines.
• The Staff IPT Design Systems Engineer will likely report to a senior engineering manager or program director, with direct influence over the technical direction of the design team.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring interaction with various project teams, program management, and potentially customer representatives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rigorous Systems Engineering processes, adhering to industry best practices and DoD standards.
• Data-driven decision-making is expected, leveraging systems analysis, performance metrics, and MBSE for design optimization.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in managing complex development cycles and critical reviews.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated, particularly in managing design processes and requirements traceability.

Company Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is deeply rooted in national security, innovation, and a commitment to tackling complex technological challenges. For operations professionals, this translates to a highly structured environment with clear processes, a strong emphasis on quality and compliance, and opportunities to work on mission-critical projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Level. This designation signifies a senior, expert individual contributor or technical leader with broad influence and deep technical expertise. The role is expected to set technical direction, mentor others, and solve highly complex problems. Reporting Structure: The Staff IPT Design Systems Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Program Manager responsible for the specific segment or IPT. They will, in turn, lead and guide a team of engineers from various disciplines. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the success of complex defense system development. By leading design integration, ensuring adherence to systems engineering processes, and supporting critical milestones, the engineer contributes significantly to the program's technical integrity, schedule adherence, and overall mission success. The efficiency and effectiveness of the design process directly influence project cost and delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of systems engineering, MBSE, or particular defense technologies.
• Leadership Progression: Move into higher-level IPT leadership roles, program management, or technical director positions.
• Cross-Program Experience: Gain exposure to a variety of complex systems and programs across Northrop Grumman's diverse portfolio.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and potentially lead training initiatives in systems engineering best practices or MBSE.
• Advanced Certifications: Pursue professional certifications relevant to systems engineering or MBSE.

📝 Enhancement Note: "Staff" level roles at companies like Northrop Grumman are often considered critical individual contributor roles where deep technical expertise and leadership are highly valued. Career progression might involve moving into principal engineer roles, technical management, or program management, leveraging the broad systems view gained in this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role, likely within a corporate office or engineering facility environment. Office Location(s):

• Annapolis Junction, Maryland
• Redondo Beach, California

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, involving team members in close proximity to facilitate communication and problem-solving.
• Access to advanced engineering tools, simulation software, and potentially specialized hardware labs will be provided.
• The environment fosters intellectual curiosity and problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on technical rigor and adherence to process.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues across various engineering disciplines are abundant.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
• Given the critical nature of defense projects and review milestones, there may be an expectation for flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed to meet program deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving classified information and direct collaboration on sensitive defense projects. The dual locations offer candidates flexibility based on personal preference and proximity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of resume and qualifications, with a focus on meeting the experience and clearance requirements.
• Technical Screening: A more in-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineer to assess technical expertise in systems engineering, MBSE, and leadership capabilities. This may involve discussing past projects and problem-solving approaches.
• Panel Interview: A session with multiple interviewers (e.g., peer engineers, program managers) to evaluate technical depth, communication skills, team fit, and leadership potential. Expect questions related to handling complex technical challenges and leading diverse teams.
• Potential Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates might be asked to present on a past project, discuss a hypothetical system design challenge, or demonstrate their approach to a specific systems engineering problem.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with Northrop Grumman's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight your contributions and the measurable impact they had on project success, technical integrity, or efficiency. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Showcase Leadership: Provide clear examples of how you led, mentored, or influenced multi-disciplinary teams to achieve design objectives.
• MBSE Integration: Detail your experience with MBSE tools (SysML/UML) and how they were used to define architecture, manage requirements, and facilitate design reviews.
• Process Orientation: Clearly articulate the systems engineering processes you followed, including requirements management, interface control, and lifecycle support.
• Problem-Solving: Present case studies of complex technical problems you encountered and the systematic approach you took to solve them.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically and present information clearly. Be prepared to discuss each item in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Systems Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you approach complex systems, breaking them down into manageable components while understanding their interdependencies.
• MBSE Application: Prepare to discuss specific use cases for MBSE in system design, requirements traceability, and interface definition.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate behavioral questions about leading teams, resolving conflicts, and motivating engineers under pressure.
• Defense Systems Context: Familiarize yourself with common defense systems engineering practices, standards (DoDAF/UAF), and the typical lifecycle of defense projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "IPT Level" and "multi-function design teams" means interviewers will be assessing your ability to integrate diverse technical inputs and manage a complex design process. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and technical excellence within a team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MBSE Tools: SysML and UML modeling tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, IBM Rhapsody, Sparx Enterprise Architect).
• Requirements Management Tools: IBM DOORS, Jama Connect, or similar tools for managing and tracing requirements.
• Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for task tracking, scheduling, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and presenting performance data.
• System Performance Analysis Tools: Tools specific to simulating and analyzing system performance, depending on the domain.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how system requirements and design decisions integrate with broader program management and potentially customer relationship management aspects may be beneficial.
• Automation tools might be used for scripting, testing, or data processing within the engineering workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with MBSE and Requirements Management tools is a critical differentiator for this role. Familiarity with project tracking and collaboration platforms is also highly expected for effective IPT leadership.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous engineering standards, precision, and quality in all design and development activities.
• Innovation & Problem Solving: Encouraging creative approaches to overcome complex technical challenges and drive technological advancement.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, especially in mission-critical projects.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards common goals.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting customer requirements and delivering reliable, high-performance systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on open communication and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Cross-functional integration is key, requiring engineers to work effectively with peers from different disciplines.
• A culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement is expected, encouraging teams to refine processes and designs.
• Stakeholder engagement and clear communication are paramount to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture often reflects a blend of deep technical expertise and a mission-driven focus. For operations professionals, this means being part of a highly disciplined team where process, quality, and delivering on commitments are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity Management: Navigating and integrating highly complex, multi-disciplinary systems with evolving technologies.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across diverse engineering teams with potentially different priorities.
• Meeting Rigorous Standards: Adhering to stringent DoD requirements, security protocols, and rigorous review processes.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with emerging technologies and integrating them effectively into mature system designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Systems Engineering Training: Access to internal and external training programs to deepen expertise in MBSE, DoD architectures, and specialized engineering domains.
• Project Diversity: The opportunity to work on a variety of cutting-edge defense programs, offering broad exposure to different technologies and challenges.
• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to develop leadership skills, including mentorship from senior engineers and management.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences and engage with leading experts in aerospace and defense engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant due to the complexity and criticality of the systems being developed. However, these challenges also present substantial opportunities for professional growth and the development of highly sought-after expertise in advanced systems engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Systems Design & Architecture: "Describe your approach to defining the architecture for a complex system with multiple interconnected segments. How would you ensure architectural integrity throughout the lifecycle?" (Focus on MBSE, modularity, interface definition).
• IPT Leadership: "How do you effectively lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team, especially when facing technical disagreements or tight deadlines?" (Highlight communication, conflict resolution, team building).
• Requirements Management: "Walk me through your process for managing technical requirements and ensuring they are correctly flowed down and implemented." (Emphasize traceability, validation, and change control).
• MBSE Implementation: "Can you provide an example of how you've used MBSE tools (SysML/UML) to improve system design or facilitate technical reviews?" (Be specific about the tool, the problem, and the outcome).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in working for Northrop Grumman and contributing to our mission?" (Research Northrop Grumman's mission and values, connect your motivations).
• Team Dynamics: "How do you approach collaboration with engineers from different disciplines (e.g., software vs. hardware)?" (Show understanding of diverse perspectives and need for integration).
• Handling Ambiguity: "Describe a time you had to work with incomplete or ambiguous technical information. How did you proceed?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and initiative).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project or by key systems engineering skill (e.g., Requirements Management, Architecture Design, Team Leadership).
• STAR Method: For behavioral questions and project examples, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful narratives.
• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduced design cycle time by X%, improved system performance by Y%).
• MBSE Visuals: If possible, include diagrams or screenshots from your MBSE models to visually communicate your design work.
• Concise Explanations: Be prepared to succinctly explain the context, your role, the processes used, and the outcomes for each item in your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with the specific tools mentioned (Cameo, DOORS, Jira) and how you've leveraged them to enhance engineering processes. Your ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely will be a key evaluation point.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Northrop Grumman careers site.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supporting documents to highlight your most relevant experience in systems engineering, MBSE, IPT leadership, and defense project lifecycles. Tailor your achievements to match the primary responsibilities and qualifications listed.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, educational background, and explicitly mentions your current active DoD TS/SCI clearance. Use keywords from the job description naturally within your experience descriptions.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and technical contributions. Prepare specific examples related to MBSE, complex system design, and managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the microelectronics and advanced systems domains. Understand their commitment to national security and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.