Sentinel - Staff Human Factors Engineer - User Experience (UX) - 5088-1

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Human Factors Engineer - User Experience (UX) - Sentinel (5088-1)

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Roy, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Staff Level Equivalent)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead Human Factors (HF) and User Experience (UX) efforts for software user interfaces (UI) within the Sentinel Program's Specialty Engineering Human Systems Integration (HSI) team.

• Drive technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation for total systems, focusing on user-centered design principles and effective human-computer interaction.

• Ensure compliance with critical defense industry standards, including MIL-STD-1472G, and translate complex user research into actionable design specifications.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional software development teams, product teams, and stakeholders to deliver intuitive and effective user experiences for system operators.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a "Staff" level, indicating a need for extensive experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence technical direction. The focus on "Sentinel Program" and "Defense Systems" suggests a high-stakes environment requiring rigorous adherence to defense standards and a deep understanding of operational contexts for military systems. The requirement for a Secret Clearance is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Human Factors engineering activities for software UI/UX, ensuring user-centered design principles are integrated throughout the development lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive design Style Guide for UI common look and feel, in close collaboration with software development teams.

• Ensure strict compliance with specified sections of MIL-STD-1472G and other relevant military human engineering standards.

• Prepare, coordinate, and conduct predictive and empirical workload analyses, as well as usability assessments to inform design iterations.

• Translate user research findings into detailed user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that create intuitive user experiences for system operators.

• Utilize industry-standard design and prototyping tools to create visual designs and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design intent.

• Author and support the creation of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) program documentation, adhering to US Military Data Item Descriptions (e.g., Human Engineering Design Approach Document – Operator, Human Engineering Test Plan, Human Engineering Test Report).

• Conduct thorough Human Factors Analyses, including task analyses, predictive workload analyses, and interface prototyping and analysis.

• Review UI design decisions and documentation, providing critical HF support to software interface design and development efforts.

• Integrate operator attributes into the system architecture, CONOPS (Concept of Operations), and use-case development, leveraging model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies.

• Foster strong collaboration with team members and stakeholders across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and engage directly with the user community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution in UI/UX design and Human Factors analysis. The emphasis on MIL-STD-1472G, specific documentation types, and MBSE indicates a need for deep familiarity with defense systems development processes. The requirement to "lead aspects" suggests mentorship and guidance for junior engineers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Human Factors, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, HCI-related field, or Engineering from an accredited university, OR

• Master's degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience, OR

• PhD degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree.

• Experience in Human Factors Engineering/Human Systems Integration (HSI) utilizing UI/UX design principles.

• Proven ability to translate user research data into design artifacts (user flows, wireframes, mockups, prototypes).

• Demonstrated experience using one or more industry-standard design and prototyping tools.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to program and customer teams, including leadership. Required Skills:

• Human Factors Engineering (HFE): Deep understanding and application of HFE principles for complex systems.

• User Experience (UX) Design: Expertise in designing intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Strong knowledge of HCI principles and best practices.

• System Integration & Technical Planning: Ability to contribute to technical planning and system integration efforts.

• Usability Assessment & Analysis: Proficiency in conducting and interpreting usability studies, task analyses, and workload assessments.

• Documentation & Compliance: Experience authoring HFE documentation per military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1472G).

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Skill in using design tools to create interactive prototypes and wireframes.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong presentation skills for technical and leadership audiences.

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

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

Preferred Skills:

• Defense Contracting Environment: Familiarity with MIL-STD-1472G and ANSI/HFES 100-2007; DoD UI/UX Design Experience.

• Modeling Tools: Familiarity with Human Factors modeling in NX/Jack, IMPRINT.

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

• Agile Development: Experience working on an Agile Software Development Team.

• Defense Systems Experience: Past or active employment with MMIII or Sentinel Weapon Systems.

• Systems Engineering Experience: 4+ years of Systems engineering experience.

• Tool Proficiency: Experience with DOORS, Cameo, Teamcenter, CPLM, Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).

• Complex Systems Understanding: Strong understanding of engineering standards, configuration management, material review boards, process control, tooling, facilities, and software for complex systems of systems.

• Customer Presentations: Demonstrated experience with high-value customer presentations.

• Visual Design: Experience with the visual design of computer user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation implies a senior-level individual contributor or potential team lead. The educational requirements are flexible, allowing for advanced degrees to substitute for some years of experience, a common practice in engineering roles. The security clearance and SAP requirements are non-negotiable and critical for application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Human Factors/UX: Showcase projects demonstrating the application of HFE principles to solve complex user interaction challenges, particularly in software UI.

• Process Improvement Demonstrations: Highlight instances where your HFE/UX expertise led to measurable improvements in system usability, efficiency, or operator performance. Quantify results whenever possible.

• System Design Artifacts: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes that illustrate your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Compliance & Standards Application: Demonstrate how you've applied relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1472G) in your design and analysis work.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you've mapped, analyzed, and optimized user workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce cognitive load.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase your involvement in implementing UI designs and any contributions to automating design processes or user feedback loops.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Include examples of how you've defined metrics for usability and performance, and how you've used data to analyze and report on system effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level Human Factors Engineer, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display design skills but also analytical rigor, understanding of system-level integration, and the ability to work within stringent government/defense frameworks. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable outcomes and adherence to standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00 USD per year. This range represents the general guideline for the Staff Human Factors Engineer role in Roy, Utah. Northrop Grumman considers multiple factors, including candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions, when determining the final base salary offer.

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan.

• Professional Development: Educational Assistance programs.

• Life & Disability: Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Programs.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and personal business, Work/Life Solutions, and Employee Assistance Programs.

• Wellness & Discounts: Health & Wellness Resources, Employee Discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard work schedule is 9/80. This means working nine-hour days Monday through Thursday and taking every other Friday off.

• The role may involve travel up to 10% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Staff-level engineering role in a high-cost-of-living area with significant security requirements. The 9/80 work schedule is a notable benefit, offering extended weekends. The mention of relocation assistance indicates potential support for candidates moving to the Roy, Utah area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: Large Enterprise (100,000+ employees globally). This scale means opportunities for broad impact, extensive resources, and diverse career paths, but also requires navigating complex organizational structures.

Founded: 1939. With a long history of pioneering achievements, Northrop Grumman has a deeply ingrained culture of innovation, technological advancement, and national service.

Team Structure:

• Human Systems Integration (HSI) Team: This role is part of the Specialty Engineering HSI team, which likely includes specialists in Human Factors, User Experience, Safety, and other human-centric disciplines.

• Reporting Structure: The Staff HFE will likely report to an HSI Lead or Manager and will collaborate closely with program managers, systems engineers, software developers, and potentially customer representatives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with software development teams, element and product level teams, and stakeholders across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: Emphasis on understanding operator needs and translating them into effective system designs.

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Integration of HFE/UX considerations into MBSE processes for system architecture and CONOPS development.

• Agile Development: Potential involvement in Agile software development teams, requiring adaptability and iterative design processes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilization of user research, workload analyses, and usability assessments to inform design choices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is characterized by its commitment to national security, technological innovation, and rigorous engineering standards. The "Defining Possible" slogan reflects an environment that encourages ambitious problem-solving. For an HFE/UX professional, this means working on critical, high-impact projects with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and operator effectiveness within a structured, secure environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Human Factors Engineer. This is a senior individual contributor role, often seen as a technical expert and potential mentor within the HFE/UX domain. It signifies a high level of proficiency, experience, and the ability to lead complex tasks independently.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Specialty Engineering Human Systems Integration (HSI) team, likely to an HSI Manager or Lead. Close collaboration with program management and various engineering disciplines is expected.

Operations Impact: The HFE/UX team directly influences the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of system operators. The work on the Sentinel Program's software UIs will have a critical impact on mission success, operator performance under stress, and overall system usability in high-stakes defense scenarios.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of HFE/UX, such as advanced modeling, cognitive psychology, or specialized defense system interfaces.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Transition into team lead or management roles within HSI, mentoring junior engineers and guiding HFE/UX strategy.

• Programmatic Growth: Move into broader systems engineering roles or program management positions, leveraging a strong understanding of operational requirements and user needs.

• Cross-Domain Expertise: Develop expertise in other areas of Human Systems Integration or specialized engineering disciplines within Northrop Grumman.

• Advanced Clearance: Opportunity to work on programs requiring higher levels of security clearance and access.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title suggests a path towards Principal Engineer or Chief Engineer roles, or a move into technical management. The growth opportunities are significant within a large defense contractor like Northrop Grumman, especially for individuals with critical skills and security clearances.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position in Roy, Utah. The work environment will be within a professional office setting at a Northrop Grumman facility. Given the defense contractor nature, expect a secure and structured workplace.

Office Location(s): Roy, Utah. This location is part of the broader Northern Utah defense industry corridor.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a mix of individual focused work (design, analysis, documentation) and collaborative sessions (team meetings, design reviews, stakeholder discussions).

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, specialized HFE/UX software (design, prototyping, modeling), and potentially secure network environments for classified work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with HSI team members, software developers, systems engineers, and potentially customer representatives.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is a 9/80, providing every other Friday off. This offers a good work-life balance for an on-site role.

• Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required, likely for program reviews, customer meetings, or site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is driven by the need for security (Secret Clearance, potential SAP) and the nature of integrating with development teams working on sensitive defense programs. The 9/80 schedule is a key perk for on-site employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of application, resume, and qualifications against basic requirements (clearance, experience, education).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on Human Factors principles, UX design methodologies, HFE analysis techniques (task analysis, workload assessment), and experience with relevant standards (MIL-STD-1472G). Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your role, the problem, your process, the solution, and the outcomes/impact.

• Cross-functional/Team Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate with existing teams and company culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or program management to assess strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 impactful projects that best showcase your skills relevant to defense software UI/UX and HFE.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define:

  • The Problem: What was the user or system challenge?
  • Your Role: What specific contributions did you make?
  • The Process: What HFE/UX methodologies did you employ (research, analysis, design, testing)?
  • The Solution: Showcase key artifacts (wireframes, prototypes, analysis reports).
  • The Outcome: Quantify impact where possible (e.g., reduced error rates, improved task completion time, increased user satisfaction). Highlight adherence to standards.

• Highlight Defense Context: If possible, include projects with similar constraints or user groups (e.g., high-stress environments, complex interfaces).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting requirements, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Usability Testing: Be ready to discuss how you would plan and execute a usability test for a given software feature.

• Design Critique: You might be asked to critique a sample UI or propose improvements based on HFE principles.

• HFE Analysis Scenario: Prepare to walk through how you would conduct a task analysis or workload assessment for a specific operator role.

• MBSE Integration: Understand how HFE/UX fits into an MBSE framework and be ready to discuss that integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your understanding of defense-specific requirements and your ability to apply HFE/UX principles within that context. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as tangible evidence of your capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototypes).

• Human Factors Modeling: NX/Jack, IMPRINT (preferred, familiarity is a plus).

• Systems Engineering & Requirements Management: DOORS, Cameo, Teamcenter, CPLM (preferred, familiarity is a plus).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for usability testing analysis, workload assessment reporting, and data visualization.

• Ability to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for user experience and system effectiveness. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UI/UX impacts downstream processes and data capture is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles as they relate to user interaction design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in standard UX/UI design tools is essential. Experience with specialized HFE modeling tools and systems engineering platforms like DOORS or Cameo, particularly within a defense context, is highly advantageous and indicates a deeper technical capability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of work, especially critical in defense projects.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving advancements in technology and striving for superior performance in all aspects of engineering.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Safety & Security: Prioritizing the safety of operators and the security of sensitive information and systems.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding the expectations of government and defense customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with software developers, systems engineers, and program managers to ensure HFE/UX is embedded throughout the development lifecycle.

• Process Improvement Culture: Openness to feedback, iterative design, and continuous refinement of processes and products.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior team members, and contribute to a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes a strong sense of mission, adherence to rigorous standards, and a collaborative approach to solving complex national security challenges. For an HFE/UX professional, this means contributing to systems that are not only functional but also safe, effective, and user-friendly in demanding operational environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Balancing user needs with stringent military requirements, security protocols, and technical constraints.

• Rapid Iteration in a Structured Environment: Adapting designs quickly within a formal development process that requires rigorous documentation and approvals.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating HFE/UX concepts and rationale to diverse technical audiences, including those less familiar with user-centered design.

• Evolving Technology & Threats: Staying current with advancements in UI/UX technology and understanding how evolving threats impact operator needs and system design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HFE/UX Specialization: Opportunities to pursue certifications or advanced training in specific HFE domains relevant to defense systems.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in leading Human Factors and UX conferences, potentially presenting work related to defense applications.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced engineers and leaders for guidance on career progression and technical development.

• Cross-Program Exposure: Potential to contribute to various defense programs, broadening experience across different system types and operational contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the challenge of working on cutting-edge defense technology with significant real-world impact. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging the company's commitment to employee development and its diverse portfolio of projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user requirements with system constraints or military standards. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, compromise, and justification).

• "How would you integrate Human Factors considerations into a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) workflow for a new software system?" (Demonstrate understanding of MBSE and HFE integration).

• "Walk us through your process for conducting a task analysis for a complex operator role. What are the key steps and potential pitfalls?" (Showcase analytical rigor and practical application).

• "Imagine you need to design a UI for a high-stress, time-critical operation. What HFE/UX principles would you prioritize, and how would you validate your design?" (Assess understanding of critical design factors and validation methods). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on the Sentinel Program and for Northrop Grumman specifically?" (Research the program and company values).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with engineers from different disciplines?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

• "How do you ensure your design decisions are data-driven and aligned with operational effectiveness?" (Emphasize analytical approach and impact measurement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, craft a narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your role, your methodology, your solution, and the results.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify benefits whenever possible (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction).

• Highlight Process: Explain why you made certain design choices, referencing HFE principles and relevant standards.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and trade-offs made.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with stakeholders, developers, and users.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with defense standards, MBSE, and complex systems. Your ability to articulate your design process and justify your decisions with HFE principles and data will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of the high-stakes nature of defense work is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Human Factors Engineer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in Human Factors Engineering, UX Design, and Systems Integration, specifically mentioning defense industry standards like MIL-STD-1472G and experience with software UIs.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, educational background, and proficiency with relevant HFE/UX tools and methodologies. Explicitly state your active Secret Clearance status.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare a concise presentation of 2-3 key portfolio projects, focusing on impact and process.

• Company & Program Research: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and the Sentinel Program's objectives. Understand the importance of Human Systems Integration in defense applications.

⚠️ 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.