Sentinel Specialty Systems Engineering HSI UX Section Manager 2- 18042

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sentinel Specialty Systems Engineering HSI UX Section Manager 2

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of User Experience (UX) initiatives within the Sentinel Human Systems Integration (HSI) Specialty Engineering team, driving user-centered design principles.

• Manage and mentor a team of engineers and specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement aligned with Northrop Grumman's core values.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), the U.S. Air Force (USAF), executive leadership, and external partners to embed human performance, usability, and safety throughout the system lifecycle.

• Oversee resource planning, staffing activities, and contribute to the development and execution of organizational strategic and tactical plans, ensuring alignment with program objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title and description point to a management role within Systems Engineering with a UX/HSI focus, the core responsibilities and required skills suggest a strong operational component. This role is responsible for the execution of UX strategy, resource management, and cross-functional integration, which are critical operational functions within a large defense program. The emphasis on managing to cost and schedule, and working with complex engineering systems, further solidifies its operational relevance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the strategy, planning, and execution of all user-centered design (UCD) activities for the Sentinel program, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer requirements.

• Foster and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), the USAF customer, executive leadership, the Office of Chief Engineers (OCE), suppliers, and industry partners to ensure seamless integration of human factors.

• Establish, implement, and monitor key initiatives designed to advance the organization's strategic objectives and tactical execution within the HSI and UX domains.

• Lead resource planning, staffing, and talent management efforts, including requisition creation, candidate interviewing, and offer approvals, to ensure adequate team capacity and capability.

• Provide direct mentorship, coaching, performance counseling, and career development support to team members, cultivating a high-performing and motivated workforce.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and merit adjustments for direct reports, ensuring alignment with company policies and individual contributions.

• Drive a culture of accountability and adherence to Northrop Grumman's fundamental values, emphasizing integrity, quality, shared success, and innovation in all team operations.

• Develop and manage program and functional goals for the team, ensuring clear objectives and measurable outcomes for HSI and UX engineering efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on "leading the strategy, planning, and execution," "establishing key initiatives," and "collaborating extensively" points to a significant operational management component. The inclusion of "resource planning," "staffing activities," and "performance evaluations" are core operational management duties.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 6 years of related experience with a Master's degree.

• 1+ year of experience managing to cost and schedule as a Control Account Manager (CAM) or Work Package Lead (WPL), demonstrating strong project financial and schedule oversight capabilities.

• 1+ year of Program and/or Project management experience, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex challenges, indicating a proven ability to manage scope and deliverables.

• 1+ year of experience working on Command and Control systems or Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) programs, providing domain-specific knowledge critical for this role.

• 1+ year of experience with Human Factors in a defense contracting environment, underscoring the importance of human performance integration.

Required Skills:

• Secret Clearance: Must possess an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years.

• SAP Eligibility: Must be able to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable timeframe.

• Systems Engineering Fundamentals: Deep understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle development.

• Human Systems Integration (HSI): Proven experience in integrating human performance, usability, and safety into complex systems.

• User Experience (UX) Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead UX strategy, design, and implementation for complex technical systems.

• Team Leadership & Management: Experience managing, mentoring, and developing engineering teams, including performance management and career development.

Preferred Skills:

• Active DoD Top Secret Security Clearance.

• Special Program Access (SAP).

• Master's Degree in STEM.

• Northrop Grumman CAM/EV Certification.

• Large-scale/complex system development experience across multiple program phases (preliminary design, detailed design, integration, test, verification, production transition).

• Strong understanding of complex engineering systems, including engineering standards, configuration management, process control, and tooling.

• Experience with Axure wireframing/prototyping software.

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

• Prior experience leading teams of 10+ individuals.

• Experience with visual design of computer user interfaces.

• Experience working on MMIII or Sentinel ICBM systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are highly specific to defense contracting and systems engineering management. The emphasis on clearance requirements, CAM/WPL experience, and specific program types (ICBM, C2 systems) are critical operational indicators. The preference for Axure and MBSE points to specific tool proficiencies expected in advanced systems engineering operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User-Centered Design Case Studies: Showcase projects demonstrating the application of UCD methodologies, from initial research and requirements gathering through to design, prototyping, and user testing. Highlight how user feedback informed design iterations.

• System Integration Examples: Provide examples of how you or your team integrated complex engineering systems, demonstrating an understanding of interdependencies, process flows, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Programmatic Management Artifacts: Include anonymized examples of project plans, risk assessments, resource allocation charts, or status reports that illustrate experience in managing to cost, schedule, and scope.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Detail projects where you identified inefficiencies in engineering or design processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in quality, speed, or cost-effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing engineering workflows, particularly those related to HSI and UX design phases.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide evidence of implementing new processes or leveraging tools to automate repetitive tasks, improve data management, or enhance collaboration within engineering teams.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to engineering team output, project success, and system usability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in specialty systems engineering with a UX/HSI focus, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase technical design skills but also the operational management of engineering processes, team performance, and project execution. Demonstrating the ability to manage complex systems and drive efficiency through process optimization is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00 USD per year.

Explanation of Range: This salary range is provided as a general guideline by Northrop Grumman. The final offer will be determined by considering the scope and responsibilities of the position, alongside the candidate's demonstrated experience, educational background, acquired skills, and current market compensation trends for similar roles in the Huntsville, Alabama region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Educational Assistance for continued learning and skill enhancement.

• Life & Disability Coverage: Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) with Work/Life Solutions.

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

• Wellness Resources: Health & Wellness Resources to support employee well-being.

• Employee Discounts: Access to various employee discount programs.

Working Hours: The standard work schedule is 9/80, allowing employees to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off. This compressed workweek aims to provide enhanced work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the role and location. The explanation clarifies the factors influencing the final offer. The benefits listed are standard for large defense contractors and are comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and professional growth. The 9/80 work schedule is a key operational perk that impacts work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, specializing in innovative systems and solutions for national security and global stability.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant global workforce. This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deep-rooted culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to national security.

Team Structure:

• HSI UX Specialty Engineering Team: This team is a specialized unit within the broader Sentinel Specialty Engineering function, likely comprising engineers with expertise in Human Factors, User Experience Design, and potentially User Interface (UI) development.

• Reporting Structure: The Section Manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or program manager, overseeing a team of individual contributors and potentially junior leads.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring seamless integration and communication with various Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) responsible for different aspects of the Sentinel program, as well as direct interaction with the end-user (USAF).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from user research, performance metrics, and system analysis to inform design and engineering decisions.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely utilizes agile or iterative methodologies for design and development, allowing for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout the system lifecycle.

• Systems Engineering Best Practices: Adherence to rigorous systems engineering processes, including requirements management, design reviews, verification, and validation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's heritage in defense innovation suggests a culture that values technical expertise, mission focus, and long-term project commitment. The scale of their operations means that operational efficiency, process adherence, and robust management practices are paramount. The HSI UX team will operate within this framework, contributing to critical national security programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering organization. It represents a transition from individual contributor or team lead to a managerial role, with direct reports and responsibility for strategic execution and operational oversight of a specific engineering discipline (HSI/UX).

Reporting Structure: The Section Manager will report to a Director or Vice President of Engineering, likely within the Sentinel program or a broader Specialty Engineering functional group. They will manage a team of engineers and specialists, requiring strong leadership and people management skills.

Operations Impact: The operations of this team directly influence the effectiveness, usability, safety, and ultimately the success of the Sentinel system. By ensuring human factors are optimally integrated, this role contributes to reduced training times, fewer errors, increased operator efficiency, and enhanced mission success rates, all of which have significant operational and strategic implications for the defense mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Program/Functional Leadership: Successful performance can lead to opportunities to manage larger teams, broader engineering disciplines, or take on program management roles within Northrop Grumman.

• Specialization & Technical Expertise: Deepening expertise in HSI, UX, or related fields like Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) can open doors to senior technical fellow positions or specialized consulting roles.

• Cross-Program Mobility: Experience gained on a high-profile program like Sentinel can be leveraged for similar leadership roles on other critical defense programs within Northrop Grumman or across the industry.

• Management Development Programs: Northrop Grumman likely offers internal leadership and management development programs to further refine skills in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and organizational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in an engineering career, moving into management with a focus on operational execution of specific engineering disciplines. The growth path is clearly defined within large defense organizations, emphasizing both technical depth and leadership breadth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role within a large defense contractor's facilities, likely in a professional office environment. Given the nature of defense work and security requirements, the environment will be structured and professional.

Office Location(s): Huntsville, Alabama. This location is a significant hub for aerospace and defense engineering, offering a robust ecosystem of related companies and talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with various IPTs, requiring regular meetings, joint working sessions, and effective communication tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software, design and prototyping tools (e.g., Axure), and potentially MBSE platforms. Secure IT infrastructure will be paramount.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports for management, mentoring, and operational oversight, as well as engagement with program stakeholders and customer representatives.

Work Schedule: The 9/80 schedule offers a structured but flexible approach to the work week, balancing operational demands with employee well-being. This schedule is common in defense contracting and requires careful operational planning to ensure coverage on all workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving classified information and direct collaboration on complex defense systems. The Huntsville location is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to a major defense industry hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or technical recruiter will assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on leadership experience, management style, technical domain knowledge (HSI/UX), and operational experience (CAM/WPL, project management). Expect behavioral questions related to team management, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.

• Technical Panel Interview: May involve subject matter experts discussing complex systems engineering challenges, HSI/UX methodologies, and potentially case study scenarios related to program execution or design issues.

• Cross-Functional/Customer Interview: Presentation or discussion with key stakeholders (e.g., IPT leads, USAF representatives) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of program needs.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, strategic alignment, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes: Leadership & Management, Systems Integration, User-Centered Design, and Process Optimization.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative, clearly state the problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., reduced error rates by X%, improved efficiency by Y%, met cost/schedule targets).

• Highlight Operational Acumen: Include examples of how you managed resources, schedules, costs, and risks. Showcase your CAM/WPL experience with anonymized examples of managing budgets and delivery timelines.

• Demonstrate HSI/UX Expertise: Present case studies that clearly articulate your approach to understanding user needs, translating them into design requirements, and iterating through design phases. Show wireframes, mockups, or prototypes if permissible.

• Tailor to Northrop Grumman: Research Northrop Grumman's values, mission, and current projects. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with their strategic objectives and operational standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would handle specific management or technical challenges (e.g., "How would you address a critical design flaw discovered late in the development cycle?", "How would you motivate a team facing tight deadlines and budget constraints?").

• Process Improvement Case: You might be asked to walk through how you would improve a hypothetical engineering process or address an operational bottleneck.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage communication and expectations with diverse stakeholders, including customers, senior leadership, and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this at Northrop Grumman will be rigorous and multi-faceted, assessing not only technical and leadership skills but also the candidate's ability to operate effectively within a large, complex, and security-conscious defense environment. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring a demonstration of both technical depth and operational management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress, cost, and schedule (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal Northrop Grumman systems).

• Collaboration Platforms: Solutions for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Software for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes (e.g., Axure, Figma, Adobe XD).

• Requirements Management Tools: Systems for capturing, tracking, and managing system requirements (e.g., DOORS, Jama Connect).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for analyzing user data, performance metrics, and system logs (e.g., Excel, specialized statistical software).

• Reporting Tools: Platforms for generating performance reports and dashboards for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal ERP/Project Systems: Northrop Grumman likely uses sophisticated internal enterprise resource planning (ERP) and project management systems for financial tracking, resource allocation, and program management.

• Configuration Management Tools: Systems to manage product configurations and changes throughout the lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not always listed, the role implies proficiency with industry-standard project management, collaboration, and design software. Given the defense context, proprietary and highly secure internal systems are also likely to be in use. Experience with Axure and MBSE tools is explicitly mentioned as preferred, highlighting their importance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and honest communication in all dealings, especially with sensitive defense information and customer interactions.

• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet stringent performance and safety requirements.

• Shared Success: Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, where the success of the program and the customer's mission are paramount.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance system capabilities and operational efficiency.

• Accountability: Fostering a culture where individuals and teams take ownership of their responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with diverse engineering disciplines, program management, and customer representatives to achieve integrated system solutions.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to established processes and workflows, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Data-Informed Communication: Utilizing data and metrics to support discussions, justify decisions, and communicate progress and challenges to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's stated values are foundational to its operations. For this role, applying these values means ensuring that the operations of the HSI UX team are conducted with the highest integrity, contribute to the overall quality and success of the Sentinel program, and foster an innovative yet disciplined approach to user-centered design and engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Balancing intricate technical and user requirements within a highly regulated defense environment, with strict adherence to safety and security protocols.

• Managing Cross-Functional Dependencies: Ensuring effective communication and alignment across multiple IPTs, suppliers, and the end-user (USAF), each with potentially competing priorities.

• Security Clearance & SAP Requirements: The necessity of maintaining active clearances and obtaining SAP access can present administrative and logistical challenges.

• Driving UX Adoption: Championing user-centered design principles and ensuring their integration into established engineering processes, which may require influencing and educating stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HSI/UX Training: Access to specialized training programs focused on cutting-edge human factors research, UX design methodologies, and relevant technologies.

• Leadership & Management Development: Opportunities to participate in internal leadership programs designed to enhance skills in strategic planning, financial management, and team motivation.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant certifications in systems engineering, project management, or UX design.

• Exposure to Critical Programs: Working on the Sentinel program provides invaluable experience with national security assets, offering unique learning opportunities in a high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large-scale defense projects, emphasizing complexity, security, and stakeholder management. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging the experience gained on a critical program for career advancement within Northrop Grumman.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "How would you establish and manage the operational strategy for integrating UX into the Sentinel program's lifecycle, considering our existing systems engineering processes and security constraints?" (Prepare to discuss phased approaches, key metrics, and stakeholder buy-in strategies.)

• Team Management & Development: "Describe your approach to leading and motivating a team of engineers with diverse skill sets (e.g., HSI specialists, UX designers). How do you foster a culture of innovation and accountability while ensuring adherence to program requirements?" (Prepare examples of performance management, conflict resolution, and team building.)

• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "Imagine a critical usability issue is identified late in the development cycle that impacts mission effectiveness. How would you lead your team to diagnose, propose solutions, and implement corrective actions under tight schedule pressure?" (Prepare to outline a systematic problem-solving methodology and stakeholder communication plan.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Alignment: "Northrop Grumman values integrity, quality, shared success, and innovation. Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in a previous role, particularly in an engineering management context?" (Research the company's mission and values thoroughly.)

• Collaboration Style: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between your HSI/UX team and other engineeringIPTs, especially when there might be differing priorities or perspectives?" (Be ready to discuss communication strategies, negotiation tactics, and building consensus.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure and communicate the impact of your team's work on overall program success and mission effectiveness?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, ROI, and how you translate technical UX contributions into business or mission value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary First: Begin with a high-level overview of your most impactful projects, focusing on leadership, strategic contributions, and key outcomes.

• Quantify Everything: For each portfolio item, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the measurable results. Use numbers and data to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced operator training time by 15%," "Decreased error rates by 8%").

• Showcase Operational Management: Explicitly highlight your experience in managing cost, schedule, and resources. Use examples from your CAM/WPL roles.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the execution, and the successful outcome. Explain why your decisions were made.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions that probe the details of your processes, tools, and decision-making rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires a dual focus: demonstrating strong technical understanding of HSI/UX and systems engineering, and showcasing robust operational management capabilities. The ability to articulate strategy, manage teams, and drive results within a complex defense environment is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in systems engineering management, human systems integration, user experience design, and specifically your CAM/WPL or project management experience with cost and schedule responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., HSI, UX, Secret Clearance, CAM, ICBM, DoD).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your leadership, process optimization initiatives, and UX/design projects. Ensure it includes examples demonstrating your ability to manage to cost and schedule, and clearly quantifies your achievements.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your management style, technical expertise, and operational experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice articulating your approach to team leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the aerospace and defense sector. Understand their commitment to innovation and national security.

⚠️ 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.