> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2003810-systems-engineer-principal-systems-engineer-external-interface-aht](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2003810-systems-engineer-principal-systems-engineer-external-interface-aht). 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). --- # Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineer - External Interface (AHT) - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Network Interface Controllers, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis - **Published:** August 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://us.experteer.com/career/view-jobs/systems-engineer-principal-systems-engineer-external-interface-aht-redondo-beach-ca-usa-58871138 ## About the Role DOORS and drive documentation into digital transformation * Coordinate interfaces across mechanical, electrical, data, RF, and software domains * Perform interface compatibility assessments, margin analyses, and trade studies * Support integration and test planning for interface verification, including test configurations and success criteria * Investigate and resolve interface issues during integration and testing * Ensure interfaces align with evolving requirements and customer constraints * Contribute to risk identification and mitigation for external interfaces * Provide clear technical communications to leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams * Review RFCs for impacts and coordinate program responses Tasks * Bachelor's degree in STEM with 2+ years (Level 2) or 5+ years (Level 3) of engineering experience OR Master's with related experience; PhD with 1 year (Level 3) * Active SCI clearance at application (and maintained thereafter) * Experience with external interfaces and interface documentation (ICDs, IRDs, specs) and configuration control * Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and model-based or structured systems engineering * Strong written and oral communication skills Key requirements * Total Rewards and benefits package * Salary ranges: primary and secondary levels * Annual bonuses and discretionary performance-based awards * Health insurance coverage * Life and disability insurance * Savings plan and PTO ## Description Experteer Overview In this role you drive the definition, integration, and verification of system-to-system interfaces across space architectures. You will own external interfaces among payloads, spacecraft buses, ground segments, and partners to ensure interoperability and compliance. You'll collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to decompose requirements, create interface control documents, and resolve integration issues. This position offers exposure to mission-critical space programs and hands-on interface leadership within a renowned defense contractor. Compensation / Benefits * Define and control external interfaces for subsystems and segments (space, ground, cross-segment) * Develop and baseline Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Requirements Specifications * Decompose system requirements into interface requirements and allocate to subsystems/components * Lead/participate in interface working groups and design reviews with stakeholders * Maintain interfaces in DOORS and drive documentation into digital transformation * Coordinate interfaces across mechanical, electrical, data, RF, and software domains * Perform interface compatibility assessments, margin analyses, and trade studies * Support integration and test planning for interface verification, including test configurations and success criteria * Investigate and resolve interface issues during integration and testing * Ensure interfaces align with evolving requirements and customer constraints * Contribute to risk identification and mitigation for external interfaces * Provide clear technical communications to leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams * Review RFCs for impacts and coordinate program responses Tasks * Bachelor's degree in STEM with 2+ years (Level 2) or 5+ years (Level 3) of engineering experience OR Master's with related experience; PhD with 1 year (Level 3) * Active SCI clearance at application (and maintained thereafter) * Experience with external interfaces and interface documentation (ICDs, IRDs, specs) and configuration control * Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and model-based or structured systems engineering * Strong written and oral communication skills Key requirements * Total Rewards and benefits package * Salary ranges: primary and secondary levels * Annual bonuses and discretionary performance-based awards * Health insurance coverage * Life and disability insurance * Savings plan and PTO ## Related Videos - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [The Migration Cookbook](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100164-the-migration-cookbook) - [Terraform for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/3-terraform-for-developers) - [Breaking the Hardware Mindset: Overcoming Barriers to System-Level Innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1635-breaking-the-hardware-mindset-overcoming-barriers-to-system-level-innovation) - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs)