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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Roy, Utah, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / User Experience (UX) / Human Factors

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the Sentinel program, focusing on integrating user experience (UX) and human factors engineering (HFE) principles into complex defense systems.

• Responsibilities include defining system interfaces, developing user workflows, creating prototypes, and conducting user assessments to ensure optimal human-system interaction.

• The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, program management, and stakeholders, to translate user needs into actionable design artifacts.

• A key aspect of this role involves ensuring all UX/HFE processes and documentation adhere to stringent Department of Defense (DoD) standards and military data item descriptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Human Factors Engineer" and "User Experience (UX)", the core responsibilities and required skills clearly place this role within the specialized domain of Defense Systems UX/HFE, emphasizing system integration and adherence to military standards, rather than general consumer-facing UX. The dual leveling (T02/T03) suggests a need to tailor application materials to the specific experience level being sought.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to develop comprehensive UX design artifacts, including wireframes, user flow diagrams, and interface specifications.

• Engage with technical teams and program stakeholders to mature the architecture and design of large-scale defense systems, ensuring user-centricity throughout the development lifecycle.

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

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

• Develop and refine use cases, define operational workflows, and conduct user assessments and task analyses to inform system design and functionality.

• Create and deliver Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and prototypes to product teams for iterative feedback and validation.

• Define and document system interfaces, ensuring consistency and adherence to established design guidelines and standards.

• Participate in verification and validation (V&V) activities to ensure the implemented system meets user requirements and HFE standards.

• Maintain requirements traceability throughout the design and development process, linking user needs to system specifications.

• Support Human Factors (HF) testing environments and activities to validate design effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to author/support military-specific documentation like HEDAD-O is a critical differentiator for this role, requiring a deep understanding of defense contracting requirements and data item descriptions beyond typical UX roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field may reduce the years of experience required.

• An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience:

• T02 (Engineer) 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 (Principal Engineer) Level: At least 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, at least 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree, or at least 1 year of experience with a PhD degree.

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

• Experience in large-scale/complex system development across multiple program phases (preliminary design, detailed design, integration & test, V&V, production transition).

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

• Experience in HF test environments. Required Skills:

• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance, 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 other UX products.

• UX Design Portfolio showcasing technical and artistic capabilities relevant to defense systems.

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

• Understanding of UX design principles and their application in complex system development.

• Experience in developing use cases and defining workflows.

• Ability to conduct heuristic assessments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Axure and Adobe suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).

• Familiarity with Human Factors engineering standards such as Mil-Std-1472G and ANSI/HFES 100-2007.

• Experience in Human Factors testing environments.

• Understanding of system architecture and its impact on user experience.

• Experience with requirements traceability tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual-leveling (T02/T03) is explicitly stated, and the experience requirements are clearly delineated. The emphasis on DoD programs, specific military standards, and security clearances are critical requirements that candidates must address directly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive UX Design Portfolio is a mandatory requirement, showcasing technical proficiency and artistic capabilities directly applicable to defense systems.

• The portfolio should demonstrate a clear understanding of the UX design process, from initial research and concept development to final design and implementation support.

• Include case studies that highlight your contributions to user-centered design within complex system development, preferably for DoD or similar regulated environments.

• Showcase examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, user interface (UI) designs, user flow diagrams, and use case documentation.

• Provide evidence of your ability to translate user needs and complex requirements into intuitive and effective system designs. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in authoring or supporting the creation of Human Engineering / Human Factors Engineering (HFE) process documentation, adhering to US Military Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) such as the Human Engineering Design Approach Document – Operator (HEDAD-O).

• Showcase understanding of how UX/HFE processes integrate with broader systems engineering, program management, and development lifecycles within a defense contracting context.

• Highlight your ability to document workflows, user assessments, and design rationales in a clear, concise, and auditable manner suitable for government review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is explicitly called out as mandatory, with a strong emphasis on its relevance to defense systems. The inclusion of specific military documentation standards (HEDAD-O) in responsibilities implies that portfolio examples should ideally reflect similar documentation or processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• T02 (Engineer) Level: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00 USD per year.

• T03 (Principal Engineer) Level: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 USD per year.

Explanation of Range: The provided salary ranges are general guidelines. Northrop Grumman considers multiple factors when determining the final base salary offer, including:

• The scope and responsibilities of the specific position.

• The candidate's level of experience, education, and relevant skills.

• Current market conditions and industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Roy, Utah area. Other Compensation:

• Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime pay, shift differentials, and a discretionary annual bonus.

• Annual bonuses are structured to reward individual contributions and share in company performance.

• Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Educational Assistance programs.

• Life Insurance.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Work/Life Solutions.

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

• Health & Wellness Resources.

• Employee Discounts.

• Access to detailed benefits information at: https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/total-rewards-benefits/ Working Hours:

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

• This schedule typically accommodates a 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are provided for both T02 and T03 levels, with clear explanations of how compensation is determined. The 9/80 work schedule is a notable benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 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 a significant global workforce. This implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for specialization and advancement within a large corporate framework.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deep-rooted culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to national security. This legacy shapes its approach to complex, mission-critical projects.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Sentinel program, a critical national defense initiative.

• The UX Engineer will be part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) that likely includes systems engineers, software developers, hardware engineers, test engineers, and program managers.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager within the UX/HFE discipline, with functional reporting to program leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven design, utilizing user research, testing results, and system performance metrics to inform design decisions and validate effectiveness.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing and refining operational workflows to enhance user efficiency, reduce error rates, and improve overall system usability for critical missions.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as a primary focus for this UX role, an understanding of how automation impacts user tasks and interfaces is beneficial, particularly in optimizing complex defense systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Northrop Grumman as a major defense contractor is paramount. This influences the company culture, team structure, and the operational methodologies, which are heavily geared towards precision, security, and adherence to stringent government standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned within the engineering and technical disciplines, specifically Human Factors Engineering and User Experience Design. It operates at either an early-to-mid career level (T02) or a more experienced, principal level (T03). The scope involves direct contribution to a major program's success through specialized UX/HFE expertise.

Reporting Structure: The UX Engineer will report to a UX/HFE lead or engineering manager, and will work closely with IPT leads and program managers on the Sentinel program. Collaboration will extend to systems engineering, software development, and potentially customer representatives.

Operations Impact: The UX/HFE contributions directly impact the effectiveness, safety, and efficiency of critical defense systems. By ensuring intuitive interfaces and optimized workflows, this role helps reduce operator error, improve mission success rates, and enhance the overall capability of the Sentinel program. This has a direct and significant impact on national security objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in defense systems UX/HFE, gain proficiency in specialized tools (Axure, Adobe Suite), and master military documentation standards (HEDAD-O, Mil-Std-1472G).

• Industry Certifications & Training: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications in Human Factors, UX, or specific defense technologies. Access to internal training programs and potentially external conferences.

• Leadership Potential: For T03 level and beyond, opportunities to lead UX/HFE efforts on sub-teams, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic UX/HFE planning for future programs. Potential progression to Senior Principal Engineer or management roles within UX/HFE or related engineering disciplines.

• Cross-Program Experience: Potential to move to other major programs within Northrop Grumman, broadening experience across different defense platforms and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" in this context refers to the operational effectiveness of the defense systems being designed, and the operational procedures for the UX/HFE team. The growth path is clearly defined by experience level and specialization within the defense sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position located in Roy, Utah. This indicates a traditional office environment within a Northrop Grumman facility, likely designed for collaboration and secure operations.

Office Location(s): Roy, Utah. This location is a hub for defense industry activity, suggesting access to a skilled workforce and established infrastructure for aerospace and defense projects.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, supporting individual work and team collaboration.

• Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially specialized testing equipment for UX/HFE activities.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, program managers, and potentially government representatives, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

• A secure environment is paramount due to the nature of the defense work and the required clearance levels.

Work Schedule: The 9/80 work schedule offers a balanced approach, providing every other Friday off while maintaining a full-time commitment and ensuring operational coverage. This structure is designed to support work-life integration for employees while meeting program demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the 9/80 schedule are key environmental factors for candidates to consider. The secure nature of the facility and the sensitive work performed are implicit aspects of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of applications, focusing on meeting basic qualifications (citizenship, clearance, education, relevant experience).

• Technical Interview(s): Likely involves direct discussion with hiring managers and/or senior UX/HFE engineers. Expect questions on UX principles, HFE standards, defense program experience, and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their UX Design Portfolio. This will involve walking through case studies, explaining design rationale, detailing contributions, and demonstrating how their skills align with the program's needs.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessing soft skills such as communication, collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, particularly in a defense contracting context.

• Security/Clearance Verification: Formal processes to confirm and maintain required security clearances.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 strong case studies that most closely align with defense systems, complex user interfaces, and structured documentation requirements.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the solutions you designed, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results or impact (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors).

• Highlight DoD/Military Standards: If possible, showcase how your work has considered or adhered to military standards or documentation requirements, even if not explicitly HEDAD-O.

• Demonstrate Technical & Artistic Skills: Clearly show wireframes, prototypes, UI designs, and user flows. Explain your tool proficiency (Axure, Adobe Suite).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your design decisions, methodologies, and how you handled specific user or technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Presentations: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation, concise explanations, and engaging storytelling for each case study.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions about how you would approach specific UX challenges within a defense system context (e.g., designing for high-stress environments, integrating new technologies, meeting strict compliance requirements).

• Research Northrop Grumman & Sentinel: Understand the company's mission, values, and the Sentinel program's objectives to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Understand Clearance Requirements: Be ready to discuss your clearance status and your understanding of the security protocols involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is highlighted as a crucial step. Candidates should prioritize tailoring their portfolios to showcase experience relevant to defense systems and government documentation standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency in tools like Axure (specifically mentioned as preferred) for prototyping and wireframing, and the Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD) for visual design and asset creation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools for team communication and project management, such as Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, or similar enterprise solutions.

• Documentation Tools: Experience with standard office productivity suites (Microsoft Office) for creating reports, presentations, and technical documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this UX role, understanding how user data, testing results, and system performance metrics are collected and analyzed is beneficial. Experience with any basic data visualization or reporting tools could be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Less emphasis on CRM for this role, but an understanding of how user interfaces interact with backend systems and potentially automated processes within the defense context would be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Axure and Adobe Suite are explicitly mentioned as preferred tools, making them key technologies to highlight in an application. The focus is on design and documentation tools rather than traditional RevOps/SalesOps tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high-quality engineering, precision, and rigor in all aspects of design and development, reflecting Northrop Grumman's legacy.

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: Encouraging bold ideas and creative solutions to tackle complex challenges, fitting with the company's mission to "Define Possible."

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring the reliability and security of critical defense systems.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued to achieve collective mission success.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs of the end-users (military personnel) and the mission objectives of the Department of Defense.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnerships with systems engineers, software developers, and program managers are essential. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving, and iterative feedback loops.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to design and documentation, emphasizing adherence to established methodologies and standards to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices within the UX/HFE team and across IPTs to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and presentation skills to effectively engage with program leadership and customer representatives, ensuring alignment and buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are derived from Northrop Grumman's corporate identity and the nature of defense contracting, emphasizing precision, security, and mission accomplishment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Systems & Requirements: Integrating UX/HFE into large, intricate defense systems with stringent and sometimes evolving requirements.

• Security & Compliance: Adhering to strict security protocols (Secret clearance, SAP) and military documentation standards while delivering user-centric designs.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy end-user requirements while remaining technically feasible within program budgets and timelines.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating UX/HFE concepts and rationale to diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders who may have different priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in UX design, human-computer interaction, and defense technologies to ensure systems remain cutting-edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX/HFE Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas like cognitive ergonomics, interaction design for complex systems, and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Defense Industry Standards: Deep dive into military standards (Mil-Std-1472G, ANSI/HFES 100-2007) and DoD acquisition processes.

• Program-Specific Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of the Sentinel program's mission, architecture, and operational context.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced HFE and UX professionals within Northrop Grumman for guidance and career development.

• Leadership Development: Potential for growth into leadership roles, managing UX/HFE aspects of projects or teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the specific context of defense contracting, security, and complex systems, while growth opportunities focus on specialized skill development within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you applied UX/HFE principles to a complex DoD system. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio that highlights this).

• "How do you balance user needs with strict technical constraints and regulatory requirements in a defense program?" (Focus on your problem-solving process and ability to find compromises).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a HEDAD-O document or similar military UX/HFE documentation." (If you don't have direct experience, discuss your understanding of structured documentation and how you would approach it).

• "How would you collaborate with systems engineers and software developers to ensure your UX designs are implemented correctly?" (Emphasize communication, iterative feedback, and understanding of development lifecycles). Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with Northrop Grumman's values of integrity, innovation, and excellence?" (Connect your personal work ethic and past experiences to these values).

• "Describe your experience working in secure environments and with classified information." (Be honest about your clearance status and understanding of security protocols).

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Demonstrate maturity, openness to constructive criticism, and effective communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the "so what?" – the tangible benefits and impact of your UX/HFE work. Use metrics where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize visuals (wireframes, prototypes, UI mockups) to illustrate your design process and solutions.

• Explain Your Rationale: Be prepared to defend your design decisions by explaining the user research, heuristics, or requirements that informed them.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that demonstrate experience with defense systems, complex interfaces, and structured documentation.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, is concise, and fits within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation is heavily geared towards demonstrating experience with defense systems, understanding of military standards, and the ability to navigate security requirements, in addition to standard UX/HFE skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Human Factors Engineer - User Experience (UX) position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experiences with UX/HFE in defense programs, any experience with military standards (Mil-Std-1472G, ANSI/HFES 100-2007), and proficiency with Axure and Adobe Suite. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your UX Portfolio: Ensure it is polished, relevant to defense systems, and ready for presentation. Include at least 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your process, rationale, and impact.

• Research the Sentinel Program: Understand its mission and Northrop Grumman's role in supporting national security. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Rehearse walking through your case studies, explaining your design decisions, and articulating your contributions clearly and concisely. Be ready for technical and behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.