Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Engineering Program Manager

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) is responsible for leading end-to-end engineering execution across the full program lifecycle. The EPM ensures the integrated engineering team delivers on cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role works in close partnership with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to drive program success and meet commitments. EPMs are essential to strengthening how we execute—bringing consistency, rigor, and visibility across all engineering efforts on a program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering execution across the entire program lifecycle (capture through delivery)
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance with disciplined execution
• Integrate across all engineering functions and partner organizations (GSC, MFG, MA) to ensure cohesive program alignment
• Enable data-informed decisions using program metrics and performance indicators
• Ensure adherence and appropriate rigor to all engineering processes
• Partner with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to align technical scope, staffing, and execution plans
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks and issues early
• Drive milestone reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with clear entry/exit criteria and readiness

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position is contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 8+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 6+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 4+ years of related experience
• 1+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phases
• Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
• Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using metrics to drive decisions and program outcomes
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills including presentation experience briefing senior levels of leadership, both internal and external
• 5+ years engineering experience, including 3+ years leading multi discipline engineering teams ​
• Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
• Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
• Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
• Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
• Strong understanding of engineering execution across the full program lifecycle (beyond task tracking or a single discipline)
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions, sites, and stakeholders
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman processes and operating procedures
• CAM certification with experience in ETCs and CEACs (or demonstrated experience performing CAM responsibilities)
• Demonstrated success guiding teams through proposals and Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation, program planning including start-up, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), milestone or gate reviews and through all execution phases ​
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.