> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1921730-staff-engineer-systems-engineering-reachback](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1921730-staff-engineer-systems-engineering-reachback). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Engineer Systems - Engineering Reachback - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $177,000.0 - $265,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, SAP (Applications) - **Published:** August 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1033484b0ce002d2 ## About the Role * Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 12 years of relevant military/professional experience; OR Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of relevant military/professional experience; OR PhD with 8 years of relevant military/professional experience. * Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. * Experience leading cross functional technical teams of 10 or more individuals. * Experience with project/program management practices, including: * Control Account Management (CAM) and Earned Value Management (EVM) * Risks-Issues-Opportunities (RIO) management * Project planning, scheduling, staffing, and coordination of technical work. Preferred Qualifications * Current, applicable SAP/SAR access. * Experience working with external and geographically distributed teams to meet program objectives. * Demonstrated ability to operate across multiple organizations, build alignment, and make timely decisions. * Proven use of metrics to track performance to plan and manage recovery where needed. * Experience leading multiple teams through technically complex, integrated deliveries (e.g., test events, major reviews, or system-level integrations). ## Description Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Systems Engineer (level 5) to serve as the Reachback Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead within the Systems Engineering organization in Palmdale, CA. The selected candidate will lead a cross functional engineering team providing technical reachback support to the Test organization, ensuring alignment of engineering products with test objectives, schedule, and cost., * Serve as Reachback IPT Lead and primary interface between the Test team and engineering functional organizations. * Own budget, scope, and schedule for the IPT's engineering work; apply CAM/EVM practices to manage performance. * Act as technical authority for test related objectives within your scope, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with program and regulatory requirements. * Coordinate, prioritize, and track engineering reachback requests to provide timely resolution of technical issues and troubleshooting needs. * Lead the IPT through changes to requirements, test plans, and procedures; assess impacts to cost, schedule, and technical performance and drive approval and documentation. * Maintain regular communication with Test, Engineering Homeroom Organization, and other stakeholders; prepare concise updates, reports, and briefings for program reviews and technical interchange meetings. * Use metrics to monitor IPT performance, demonstrate progress to commitments, and define/recover to plans when needed. * Provide day to day leadership to a cross functional team of 10+ engineers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance. * This is a full time, on site position; no remote, hybrid, or telework is available. 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