Sentinel - Human Factors Engineer - User Experience (UX) - 19782

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sentinel - Human Factors Engineer - User Experience (UX) - 19782

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Roy, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: 2-5 years (T02) / 5+ years (T03)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing the user experience of complex defense systems, specifically within the Sentinel program, by applying human factors engineering principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• The position involves a blend of strategic UX design, hands-on prototyping, and detailed documentation to ensure system usability and effectiveness for Department of Defense (DoD) end-users.

• You will be instrumental in translating user needs and operational requirements into intuitive and efficient interfaces, directly impacting mission success and operator performance.

• This role demands strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, software developers, and stakeholders, to deliver high-quality UX solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader "Operations" umbrella, specifically focusing on the operational effectiveness and user interaction of sophisticated defense systems. While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on user workflow, system usability, and requirements traceability aligns with the core principles of ensuring operational efficiency and success, which are paramount in high-stakes environments like defense contracting. The "User Experience (UX) Operations" category reflects this focus on optimizing the operational experience for end-users.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to develop comprehensive UX design artifacts that align with system architecture and operational needs.

• Conduct heuristic assessments of existing and proposed system designs to identify usability issues and areas for improvement.

• Develop wireframes, user interface (UI) designs, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test user flows and interaction models.

• Author and support the creation of program documentation for Human Factors Engineering (HFE) processes and products, adhering to US Military Data Item Descriptions (e.g., Human Engineering Design Approach Document – Operator (HEDAD-O)).

• Define and refine workflows to optimize operator efficiency and reduce cognitive load within complex system environments.

• Conduct user assessments and gather feedback to inform design iterations and ensure user requirements are met.

• Ensure requirements traceability from user needs through design and validation phases, maintaining alignment with program objectives.

• Deliver Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and UX solutions to product teams for integration and further development.

• Define system interfaces and contribute to verification and validation activities to ensure the delivered system meets UX and HFE standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on documentation and adherence to military standards (HEDAD-O, Mil-Std-1472G, ANSI/HFES 100-2007), which is typical for defense sector UX roles. The inclusion of "delivering MVPs to product teams" suggests a lean, agile approach to UX integration within a larger development program.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Human Factors, User Experience, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field from an accredited university.

• Master's degree or PhD may reduce the years of experience required.

• An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a degree for both T02 and T03 levels. Experience:

• T02 Level: At least 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; OR at least 0 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree.

• T03 Level: At least 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; OR at least 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree; OR 1 year with a PhD degree.

• Demonstrated experience applying UX design principles to Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

• Experience with large-scale/complex system development across multiple program phases (preliminary design, detailed design, integration, test, verification, production transition) is preferred for the T03 level. Required Skills:

• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance required at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years.

• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval.

• Demonstrated experience creating wireframes, prototypes, user interface designs, and/or other UX products.

• UX Design Portfolio showcasing technical and artistic capabilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to segment, program, and customer communities.

• Experience in defining and refining operational workflows.

• Understanding of requirements traceability methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Human Factors in a defense contracting environment, including familiarity with Mil-Std-1472G and ANSI/HFES 100-2007.

• Proficiency with UX design and prototyping tools such as Axure.

• Experience with design software from the Adobe suite.

• Experience in Human Factors (HF) test environments.

• Experience with interface definition for complex systems.

• Familiarity with verification and validation processes for UX deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual-level hiring (T02/T03) is common for experienced roles in defense contracting, allowing flexibility in candidate selection. The emphasis on an active Secret clearance and SAP eligibility is a critical gatekeeper for this position. The portfolio requirement is standard for UX roles and will be heavily scrutinized for defense application relevance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive UX Design Portfolio is a mandatory requirement, showcasing a range of technical and artistic capabilities.

• The portfolio should demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design principles applied to complex systems, ideally within a defense or regulated industry context.

• Include case studies that illustrate the process of problem-solving, from initial user research and concept development through to final design and iteration.

• Showcase wireframes, interactive prototypes, user flows, and final UI designs, clearly articulating the rationale behind design decisions.

• Highlight experience with requirements traceability and how UX designs align with system specifications and operational constraints. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to author and support the creation of program documentation for Human Factors Engineering (HFE) processes and products.

• Experience in developing documentation consistent with US Military Data Item Descriptions, specifically referencing the Human Engineering Design Approach Document – Operator (HEDAD-O).

• Understanding of workflow design and optimization methodologies to improve operational efficiency.

• Familiarity with the verification and validation (V&V) processes for UX and HFE deliverables within a program lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process and adherence to industry (DoD) standards. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, decision-making framework, and how they integrate UX into the broader systems engineering lifecycle, especially concerning military documentation requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Primary Level Salary Range (T02): $79,300.00 - $118,900.00 USD per year

• Secondary Level Salary Range (T03): $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 USD per year

  Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Northrop Grumman considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining the final base salary offer.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage

• 401k retirement savings plan

• Educational Assistance programs

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and personal business

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts

• Relocation Assistance may be available. Working Hours:

• Standard work schedule is a 9/80, allowing employees to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off.

• This offers enhanced work-life balance and flexibility.

• The role is on-site, requiring full-time dedication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the T02 and T03 levels, reflecting the experience difference. The 9/80 work schedule is a significant perk, offering extended weekends and demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being. Relocation assistance is explicitly mentioned, indicating potential support for candidates moving to Roy, Utah.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in innovative systems and solutions for defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This provides stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for career mobility.

Founded: 1939. With decades of history, Northrop Grumman has a deep legacy of pioneering technological advancements and contributing to national security.

Team Structure:

• The UX Engineer will be part of the Defense Systems sector, specifically supporting the Sentinel program.

• This likely involves integration within a larger Systems Engineering or Program Management IPT, collaborating closely with dedicated HFE specialists, UX designers, and engineers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, HFE Manager, or Engineering Director within the Sentinel program or a broader UX/HFE functional group.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnerships with software developers, systems engineers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and program leadership. Methodology:

• The team operates within a structured development environment that adheres to rigorous defense contracting standards and processes.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven design decisions, informed by user research, heuristic evaluations, and performance metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for ensuring the usability and efficiency of complex weapon systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in design tools and documentation processes, though the core UX work involves human-centered design thinking.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large defense contractor like Northrop Grumman means operating within a highly structured, process-driven environment with stringent security requirements. The Sentinel program is a significant, long-term initiative, offering stability and the chance to work on cutting-edge defense technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is defined at either an Engineer (T02) or Principal Engineer (T03) level.

• T02 (Engineer): An entry-to-mid-level position focused on executing UX design tasks under guidance, contributing to specific project components, and developing foundational skills in defense UX.

• T03 (Principal Engineer): A senior-level position requiring independent execution, leadership on UX initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to strategic UX planning for the program. This level involves greater autonomy and responsibility for complex UX challenges.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Sentinel program's engineering or program management structure, likely with a direct manager overseeing UX/HFE activities. Collaboration will extend across various program IPTs and potentially with functional leadership within Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems sector.

Operations Impact: The UX Engineer's work directly influences the operational effectiveness, safety, and mission success of the Sentinel system. By ensuring intuitive interfaces and efficient workflows, they reduce operator error, decrease training time, and enhance overall system performance in critical defense scenarios. This role is pivotal in translating complex technological capabilities into usable, operator-centric solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Human Factors Engineering, UX design for defense applications, and systems integration within large-scale programs.

• Specialization Paths: Develop specialized skills in areas like UI design for complex interfaces, simulation-based UX testing, or defense-specific usability standards.

• Leadership Potential: The T03 level offers a clear path towards leading UX teams, managing major design initiatives, and influencing program-level UX strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Gain exposure to various engineering disciplines and program phases, opening doors to roles in systems engineering, program management, or specialized UX research.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Northrop Grumman's extensive training resources, including educational assistance for advanced degrees and professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The T02/T03 structure provides a clear career progression. For the T03 level, candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a strategic understanding of how UX contributes to program success, beyond just executing design tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position located in Roy, Utah. Northrop Grumman facilities are typically modern, professional, and secure environments designed for engineering and defense work.

Office Location(s): Roy, Utah. This location is part of Northrop Grumman's significant presence in Utah, particularly supporting advanced defense programs.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office environment with dedicated workspaces for engineers and designers.

• Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially specialized UX/HFE testing equipment will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (systems engineers, software developers, program managers) are inherent to the role, facilitating real-time feedback and problem-solving.

• The environment will be subject to strict security protocols due to the nature of the defense work and classified programs.

Work Schedule: The standard 9/80 work schedule offers a unique work-life balance benefit, allowing for extended weekends while maintaining a full-time commitment to the project. This schedule is common in defense contracting and supports project cadence while offering employee flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is non-negotiable given the need for security clearances and access to classified program information. The 9/80 schedule is a key benefit that differentiates the work-life proposition for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on UX design principles, HFE methodologies, experience with defense programs, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions related to your portfolio projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work from their UX portfolio, detailing their process, design decisions, and the impact of their contributions. This is a critical stage.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessment of communication skills, teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and cultural fit within Northrop Grumman's defense environment. Questions may probe how you handle feedback, manage stakeholders, and adapt to changing requirements.

• Security & Clearance Verification: Formal processes to confirm clearance status and eligibility for SAP.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your UX process, problem-solving skills, and experience relevant to defense systems or complex technical applications.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology used (user research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), key design decisions, and the outcomes/impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Defense Relevance: If you have defense-specific experience, emphasize it. If not, focus on transferable skills like working with complex requirements, strict constraints, and rigorous validation processes.

• Showcase Technical & Artistic Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and potentially user flow diagrams.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss any aspect of your portfolio in detail, including challenges faced and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or case studies that assess your ability to quickly analyze a problem, propose UX solutions, and articulate your rationale.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and effectively, focusing on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Understand common Human Factors Engineering principles and military standards if possible, as these may be referenced in technical discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a cornerstone of the interview process for UX roles. Candidates must be prepared to thoroughly explain their work and demonstrate how their skills align with the specific demands of defense contracting and the Sentinel program.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Axure (explicitly mentioned as preferred), potentially Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating visual assets.

• Documentation: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for authoring HFE documentation (HEDAD-O), presentations, and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for UX, experience with user analytics tools or methods for gathering performance data on system usability may be beneficial for V&V activities. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX role, but understanding how UX deliverables integrate into broader development workflows and project management systems (e.g., Jira, Confluence) is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Axure and the Adobe Suite is a significant plus. Candidates should be comfortable with standard office productivity software for documentation and presentation, as military data item descriptions are a core requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Paramount in defense contracting, ensuring ethical conduct and reliability in all aspects of work.

• Excellence and Innovation: A drive to push technological boundaries and deliver superior solutions that meet demanding mission requirements.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve complex program goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments, particularly in high-stakes projects.

• Commitment to Mission: A dedication to supporting national security objectives through the development of advanced defense systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring seamless integration with systems engineering, software development, and program management teams.

• Expect frequent communication, design reviews, and joint problem-solving sessions.

• A culture of constructive feedback is essential for iterating on designs and ensuring user requirements are met.

• Knowledge sharing and mentoring, especially for T03 level, are encouraged to foster team growth and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes professionalism, adherence to process, and a strong sense of mission. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a structured, team-oriented environment where precision and reliability are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Translating intricate military operational needs and technical specifications into user-friendly designs within strict constraints.

• Security Environment: Working within a highly secure, potentially classified environment requires adherence to stringent protocols and procedures.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively bridging the gap between UX/HFE principles and the technical language of systems engineers and developers.

• Long Program Lifecycles: Contributing to programs that may span many years, requiring sustained focus and adaptability to evolving requirements.

• Documentation Rigor: Meeting the demanding documentation standards required by military contracts (e.g., HEDAD-O).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HFE/UX Training: Access to internal and external training on cutting-edge UX methodologies, defense-specific HFE standards, and new design tools.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., HFES, UXPA) to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from guidance from senior HFE/UX professionals within Northrop Grumman.

• Leadership Development: For T03 and beyond, access to programs focused on project management, team leadership, and strategic planning.

• Educational Assistance: Support for pursuing advanced degrees or certifications relevant to the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the opportunity to gain deep expertise in a specialized and critical field – Human Factors Engineering for defense systems. The challenges are significant but come with substantial rewards in terms of professional development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX/HFE project you worked on for a complex system. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you ensure user requirements are accurately translated into design solutions, especially when requirements are vague or conflicting?" (Demonstrate understanding of requirements traceability and stakeholder management).

• "Walk me through your UX design process from initial concept to final deliverable. How do you incorporate user feedback?" (Highlight your methodology and iterative approach).

• "How would you approach designing an interface for a system with critical safety implications, considering potential operator error?" (Showcase understanding of risk mitigation and user cognitive load). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working on the Sentinel program and for Northrop Grumman specifically?" (Research the Sentinel program's mission and Northrop Grumman's role in defense).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs from engineers or stakeholders?" (Demonstrate adaptability and collaborative spirit).

• "Describe your experience working within a structured, process-driven environment, such as defense contracting." (Highlight your ability to adhere to standards and procedures).

• "What do you know about Human Factors Engineering standards used in the Department of Defense?" (Show awareness of Mil-Std-1472G, ANSI/HFES 100-2007, and military documentation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives that highlight the problem, your journey, and the impactful solution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., reduced task completion time, fewer errors, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your design decisions, not just what the final design is. Show your thinking.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that best align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly those involving complex systems, defense applications, or rigorous documentation.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and your understanding of HFE principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interviewers to probe deeply into your portfolio and your understanding of HFE within a defense context. Be ready to articulate your methodologies, decision-making processes, and how you contribute to mission success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Human Factors Engineer / UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers portal via the provided URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with UX design, Human Factors Engineering, defense programs, and any relevant military standards or documentation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your UX Design Portfolio is polished, easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or cloud link), and features projects that directly align with the role's requirements. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research the Sentinel Program: Understand the program's objectives and Northrop Grumman's role in national defense to articulate your motivation and alignment with the company's mission.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare concise, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for behavioral questions and practice presenting your portfolio projects clearly and engagingly.

⚠️ 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.