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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Roy, Utah, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Human Factors / User Experience

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Staff / Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead Human Factors (HF) and User Experience (UX) efforts for the development of software user interfaces (UI) within the Sentinel Program, focusing on the HSI team.

• Conduct comprehensive Human Factors analyses across all system product levels, from concept to testing, ensuring user-centric design principles are integrated.

• Develop and maintain critical program documentation, including Human Engineering Design Approach Documents, Test Plans, and Test Reports, adhering to US Military Data Item Descriptions.

• Drive the technical planning, system integration, verification, validation, and supportability analyses for total systems, translating customer requirements into actionable HF and HSI specifications.

• Collaborate closely with software development teams to create and implement a design Style Guide, ensuring a common look and feel across all UIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designated as "Staff," indicating a senior-level position requiring significant expertise and leadership. The emphasis on "Sentinel Program" and "GBSD SW User Interfaces" points to a critical defense project, demanding rigorous adherence to military standards and a deep understanding of complex systems. The requirement for an active Secret Clearance and potential SAP access highlights the sensitive nature of the work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Human Factors engineering for User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) applied to software UIs.

• Develop and manage a design Style Guide for UI commonality and look-and-feel in collaboration with software teams.

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

• Prepare, coordinate, and execute predictive and empirical workload analyses, as well as usability assessments.

• Translate user research data into user flows, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that deliver intuitive user experiences for system operators, demonstrating flexibility and iterative design capabilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Utilize industry-standard design and prototyping tools to create wireframes, visual designs, and interactive prototypes.

• Author and support the creation of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) products in formats consistent with US Military Data Item Descriptions (e.g., Human Engineering Design Approach Document – Operator, Human Engineering Test Plan, Human Engineering Test Report).

• Conduct comprehensive 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 processes.

• Integrate operator attributes into the system architecture, CONOPS, and use-case development, leveraging Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.

• Foster collaborative relationships with team members and stakeholders across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and with the end-user community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role in defining and executing the Human Factors strategy for software interfaces. The emphasis on MIL-STD-1472G, military data item descriptions, and defense contracting environments suggests a need for candidates familiar with stringent regulatory and documentation requirements. The integration with MBSE methodologies implies a forward-thinking approach to systems design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with a PhD degree.

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

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

• Expertise in Human Factors Engineering and User Experience (UX) design principles for software interfaces.

• Proficiency in conducting Human Factors analyses, including task analysis and workload assessment.

• Experience in usability assessment and translating user research into design artifacts.

• Skilled in creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.

• Ability to author and support technical documentation in accordance with military standards (e.g., Data Item Descriptions).

• Strong understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles.

• Excellent technical communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

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

• U.S. Citizenship is required. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Human Factors within a defense contracting environment, with familiarity with MIL-STD-1472G and ANSI/HFES 100-2007.

• DoD UI/UX Design Experience.

• Familiarity with Human Factors modeling tools such as NX/Jack or IMPRINT.

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

• Experience working on an Agile Software Development Team.

• Prior experience with the MMIII or Sentinel Weapon Systems.

• 4+ years of Systems Engineering experience.

• Familiarity with tools like DOORS, Cameo, Teamcenter, CPLM, and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).

• Strong understanding of complex engineering systems development.

• Demonstrated experience with high-value customer presentations.

• Ability to build software prototypes for usability testing.

• Experience with visual design of computer user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements suggest a deep theoretical foundation combined with practical application. The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) for a Staff level position underscores the need for proven leadership and expertise. The emphasis on specific military standards and defense contracting experience is crucial. The preferred skills highlight a desire for candidates who can immediately contribute to complex defense systems and leverage modern engineering methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Human Factors & UX Design: Showcase projects where you applied HF/UX principles to solve complex user interface challenges, particularly in system design or operational contexts.

• Demonstration of Design Process: Include examples illustrating your process from user research and task analysis through wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Metrics and Impact: Quantify the impact of your HF/UX solutions. This could include improvements in task completion time, reduction in errors, increased user satisfaction scores, or compliance with usability standards.

• Documentation Examples: Present samples of technical documentation, such as Human Engineering Design Approach Documents, Usability Study Reports, or Design Style Guides, demonstrating adherence to military or industry standards.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Provide examples of how you have mapped and optimized user workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce cognitive load for system operators.

• System Integration Standards: Illustrate your approach to integrating HF/UX considerations into the broader systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition and interface management.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for usability and user experience, and how you collect and analyze data to measure system performance against these metrics.

• Compliance Documentation: Show examples of how you ensure designs meet specific military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1472G) and document this compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level Human Factors Engineer, the portfolio should not just present final designs but also the rigorous, data-driven process behind them. Demonstrating experience with military standards and the ability to produce formal documentation is paramount. Quantifiable improvements and a clear understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle are expected.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $152,900 - $229,300 USD per year

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• 401k retirement savings plan

• Educational Assistance programs

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts Working Hours:

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

• This structure offers enhanced work-life balance while maintaining full-time employment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Staff-level engineering role in the defense sector, particularly given the location and clearance requirements. The 9/80 work schedule is a significant perk, offering extended weekends. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical of large, established aerospace and defense contractors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting

Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1934

Northrop Grumman is a global leader in developing advanced technologies and systems for defense, cybersecurity, and aerospace. Their culture emphasizes innovation, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to solving complex global challenges. They foster an environment where employees are encouraged to bring their "whole self to work" and are driven by a pioneering spirit to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Specialty Engineering Human Systems Integration (HSI) team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with software development teams, systems engineering, and program management.

• The Staff Human Factors Engineer will lead aspects of HF/UX within this HSI framework, implying a senior contributor or lead role within the team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with element and product level teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating user research and analysis into design decisions.

• Systems Integration: Integration of HF/UX principles into the broader system architecture and CONOPS.

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilization of MBSE methodologies for system design and analysis.

• Agile Software Development: Potential involvement in Agile teams, requiring iterative design and collaboration.

• Adherence to Standards: Strict compliance with military standards like MIL-STD-1472G.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is characterized by its focus on cutting-edge technology, national security, and a long history of innovation. For an operations professional, this means working on projects with significant impact, requiring meticulous attention to detail, and collaborating within a structured, mission-driven environment. The emphasis on MBSE and Agile suggests a modern approach to engineering within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Human Factors Engineer. This level signifies a senior individual contributor or technical leader with deep expertise. The role involves not only executing tasks but also guiding technical direction, mentoring junior engineers, and influencing program strategy related to human systems integration and user experience.

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports to a manager within the Specialty Engineering Human Systems Integration (HSI) team.

• Close collaboration is expected with various Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and potentially program leadership for user interface design and HSI requirements. Operations Impact:

• The work directly influences the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of critical weapon systems operators.

• Successful HSI and UX design can significantly reduce operator error, improve mission success rates, and enhance overall system performance, directly impacting national security objectives.

• This role contributes to the overall success of the Sentinel Program by ensuring the human-system interface is optimized for its intended users and operational context. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Progression to Principal or Chief Human Factors Engineer roles, leading larger HSI initiatives or entire programs.

• Management: Transition into management roles, leading HSI or UX teams.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like cognitive workload modeling, AI/ML in UX, or advanced simulation for HF testing.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain experience in other areas of systems engineering or program management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A "Staff" position at Northrop Grumman is a significant career milestone, offering opportunities for technical mastery and leadership. The defense industry provides a stable environment for long-term career growth, with clear paths for advancement based on technical contribution and leadership potential. The impact of this role is substantial, tied directly to mission success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site, within a large defense contractor facility. This environment typically involves secure facilities, dedicated engineering spaces, and collaborative work areas.

Office Location(s): Roy, Utah. This location is part of Northrop Grumman's significant presence in Utah, focusing on advanced defense systems.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with diverse engineering disciplines, including software developers, systems engineers, and other HSI specialists.

• Tools and Technology: Access to advanced design and simulation tools (e.g., NX/Jack, IMPRINT, prototyping software), as well as systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo).

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder presentations are standard. Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing within the HSI team are likely.

Work Schedule:

• The 9/80 schedule offers a significant benefit, providing every other Friday off. This allows for better work-life integration while maintaining a demanding on-site presence during workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving classified work and sensitive projects in the defense sector. The 9/80 schedule is a notable perk that can significantly enhance work-life balance for employees. The environment will be professional, structured, and focused on mission objectives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of resume and qualifications, focusing on clearance status and core experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions covering Human Factors principles, UX design methodologies, experience with military standards, and specific tool proficiencies. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving exercises.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key component where candidates present selected projects, detailing their process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of their work. This is an opportunity to showcase leadership and technical depth.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of how the candidate aligns with Northrop Grumman's values, teamwork style, and ability to work in a defense contracting environment.

• Security & Clearance Verification: Formal verification of security clearance and eligibility for SAP access.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate how your HF/UX contributions led to measurable improvements (e.g., reduced errors, increased efficiency, enhanced usability).

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology from problem identification through to solution implementation and validation. Use visual aids like user flows, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Tailor to Defense: Highlight experience with military standards (MIL-STD-1472G), defense systems, and operational contexts relevant to the Sentinel program.

• Demonstrate Leadership: For a Staff role, showcase instances where you led initiatives, mentored others, or influenced design decisions.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most relevant and impactful aspects. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common HF/UX challenges in a defense system context, such as designing for high-workload environments or integrating complex data streams.

• Military Standard Application: Prepare to discuss how you apply specific military standards to design problems.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant design, prototyping, and modeling tools.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating complex technical concepts and design rationales clearly and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on verifying security clearance and assessing technical expertise relevant to defense systems. The portfolio presentation is critical for demonstrating the depth of experience expected at the Staff level. Preparation should focus on aligning past experience with the specific requirements of military UX and HF.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Industry-standard tools for wireframing, visual design, and interactive prototyping (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP).

• Human Factors Modeling: Familiarity with specialized tools such as NX/Jack or IMPRINT for simulating human performance and workload.

• Documentation & Requirements Management: Tools like DOORS (for requirements), Cameo (for MBSE), and Teamcenter (for product lifecycle management) are likely used.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence) is commonly used for Agile development, task tracking, and knowledge sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for usability testing data analysis, workload analysis reporting, and performance metric tracking.

• Proficiency in generating reports that clearly communicate HF/UX findings and recommendations to stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user interface designs integrate with broader system workflows and data management is beneficial.

• Experience with automation tools might be relevant for streamlining design processes or testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a blend of modern UX design tools and specialized defense engineering software. Candidates should highlight proficiency in industry-standard UX tools, while also demonstrating familiarity with or willingness to learn specialized HF modeling and systems engineering platforms common in the defense sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Paramount in defense contracting, ensuring all work is conducted ethically and securely.

• Innovation and Excellence: A drive to push technological boundaries and deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve mission objectives.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the rigorous requirements of government and military clients.

• Mission Accomplishment: A shared commitment to successfully delivering critical systems that support national security.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where HF/UX professionals work closely with systems engineers, software developers, and domain experts to embed human considerations throughout the design lifecycle.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using empirical data, analysis, and user feedback to inform design choices and resolve conflicts.

• Formal Review Processes: Regular participation in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program reviews to present findings and gain consensus.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices and lessons learned, particularly within the HSI specialty engineering group.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes a mission-driven approach, technical rigor, and strong ethical standards. For an operations professional, this translates to working within a structured environment where precision, collaboration, and a commitment to national security are highly valued. The ability to communicate effectively and integrate with diverse teams is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Integrating diverse and often stringent military requirements (e.g., MIL-STD-1472G) with user-centered design principles.

• Fast-Paced, Ambiguous Environments: Adapting designs and strategies in response to evolving program needs or evolving understanding of user requirements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating complex HF/UX concepts to stakeholders from different technical backgrounds (e.g., software, hardware, systems engineering).

• Balancing Usability with System Constraints: Finding optimal design solutions that meet user needs while adhering to strict technical, security, and cost constraints inherent in defense programs.

• Obtaining and Maintaining SAP Access: The process for obtaining special access program clearances can be lengthy and requires ongoing diligence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HF/UX Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like cognitive workload modeling, predictive analysis, and advanced simulation techniques.

• Defense Industry Standards: Gaining in-depth knowledge of military standards, acquisition processes, and the unique challenges of defense system development.

• MBSE and Agile Methodologies: Developing skills in Model-Based Systems Engineering and Agile software development environments.

• Leadership Development: For Staff-level engineers, opportunities to take on project leadership, mentor junior staff, and contribute to strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences and Training: Potential for attending relevant conferences and pursuing certifications in Human Factors, UX, or Systems Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior roles in complex defense projects, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for deep technical specialization or leadership within a critical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user requirements with strict system constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, trade-off analysis, and communication.)

• "How would you approach developing a UI Style Guide for a complex defense system that needs to comply with MIL-STD-1472G?" (Assess understanding of standards, process, and collaboration.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting a predictive workload analysis for a new operator interface. What data would you collect, and how would you use it?" (Evaluate technical methodology and analytical skills.)

• "Explain your experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and how HF/UX principles are integrated within an MBSE framework." (Gauge familiarity with modern systems engineering practices.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Northrop Grumman and specifically on the Sentinel program?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with software developers and systems engineers who may have different priorities?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to present complex technical information to a non-technical audience or senior leadership. How did you ensure clarity and impact?" (Evaluate presentation and communication skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of Human Systems Integration in defense systems?" (Showcase understanding of the role's strategic value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of the project, the problem statement, and your role. Then, detail your process, key design decisions, and the rationale behind them. Conclude with the results and impact, using quantifiable metrics where possible.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flows. If possible, include short video demonstrations.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives of problem-solving and user advocacy.

• Defense Context: Explicitly link your work to military standards, operational scenarios, and the types of users found in defense environments.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, methodologies, and the challenges you encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of Human Factors principles within the context of complex defense systems. Candidates must be ready to articulate their design process, justify their decisions with data and standards, and showcase their leadership capabilities. Familiarity with military standards and MBSE is a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in Human Factors Engineering and UX design for complex systems, especially those with military or defense applications. Highlight your experience with MIL-STD-1472G and other relevant standards.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of relevant experience, leadership in HF/UX initiatives, specific skills (e.g., MBSE, Agile, prototyping tools), and your active Secret Clearance. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Human Factors," "User Experience," "System Integration," and "MIL-STD-1472G."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio confidently, explaining your contributions and methodologies in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Northrop Grumman, the Sentinel program, and their commitment to Human Systems Integration and User Experience. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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.