Director of AI and Digital Systems Engineering 2

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 50% 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.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. We are seeking a visionary and experienced Director of AI and Digital Systems Engineering to lead our dynamic team in designing, developing, and deploying complex systems that use the latest digital engineering techniques enabled by AI for space missions.  This role is located in our Redondo Beach CA site.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with a proven track record of managing cross-functional engineering teams, driving technical innovation, and delivering robust, scalable solutions that align with key business objectives.

Role and Impact:

• Oversee the entire development life cycle, from requirements analysis and architecture to integration, verification, and validation of AI enabled systems.
• Lead architecting and execution of engineering projects including AI enabled design tools and AI enabled systems on the ground and space.
• Establish a clear technical vision for the organization, aligning technical roadmaps with business goals. Proven experience in building, mentoring, and leading high-performing, geographically distributed teams.
• Partner with program management, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Implement and refine engineering processes (e.g., Agile, DevOps) to improve efficiency, quality, and predictability in project delivery.

As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, champion excellence, and embrace change.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s STEM degree with 15+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, software development, or a related field (to include people management experience) – OR – Master’s STEM degree with 10+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, software development, or a related field (to include people management experience).
• Demonstrated experience leading the architecture, design, and deployment of complex hardware/software systems.
• Proven track record of managing the full systems development lifecycle (SDLC) using the latest digital tools and processes.
• Experience in full product lifecycle systems – design, manufacture, and test as a Chief Engineer, Architect, or equivalent
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern CI/CD and DevOps practices as well as embedded systems development
• Hands-on experience with latest AI methodologies and digital tools and changes.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Experience in one or more of the following industries: Aerospace, Automotive – particularly in fast-paced startup-like environments.

Your Distinct Strengths:

• Ability to establish a clear technical vision for the organization, aligning technical roadmaps with business goals. Proven experience in building, mentoring, and leading high-performing, geographically distributed teams.
• Deep and broad knowledge of engineering principles, including requirements management, system architecture, digital engineering tools such as MBSE, simulations, and latest AI enabled engineering, and verification & validation (V&V).
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to identify risks, troubleshoot complex system-level issues, and make critical, data-driven decisions under pressure.

About Space Sector: We are an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Primary Level Salary Range: $266,300.00 - $399,500.00

The 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.