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# Chief Engineer Product Support & Sustainment

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $192,800.0 - $289,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Automation of Marketing
- **Published:** August 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9103162/chief-engineer-product-support-sustainment

## About the Role

* Must have a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline and 14 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree in STEM and 12 years of relevant experience, OR a Ph.D. in STEM and 9 years of relevant experience.
 * Must have 4 years of previous technical or programmatic management experience
 * Must have demonstrated basic concept knowledge & experience of aircraft systems including air vehicle, mission computing, communications, and sensors as well as Sustainment disciplines
 * Must have familiarity with leading technical proposals and the ability to lead the customer through reviews of technical performance.
 * Must have ability to obtain DoD Secret (or higher) clearance, * Previous Experience on the F-35 Program Sustaining or Air Vehicle Teams
 * Previous experience leading Post Production, Product Support activities for a Military Aircraft Platform
 * Understanding of Design Engineering/Computer-aided Design (CAD) and engineering releases processes utilizing Product Lifecycle Management tools
 * Prior experience interfacing with prime contractor site leads and field service representatives.
 * Experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at cost and achieving all requirements as either project lead, integrated program team or cost account manager
 * Strong oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience with high value customer presentations, with ability to focus on multiple projects with competing priorities
 * Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus when dealing with groups from diverse organizations and backgrounds
 * Knowledge of ITAR, International Licensing Requirements and procedures
 * Active DoD Secret Clearance with recent investigation (within 6 years)

## Description

Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems sector is looking for a F-35 Chief Engineer of Product Support & Sustainment. This leadership role is located in El Segundo, California with expected travel (25%) to Palmdale, Fort Worth TX, and various customer locations (Eglin, Hill, Nellis AFBs and Lemoore Naval Station). This position will report directly to the F-35 Chief Engineer Sr. Director and will be a critical member of the Chief Engineering Office for the program.

Northrop Grumman supports the F35 Joint Program Office in sustainment, development, production, deployment, and modifications for the F-35 platform for three branches of the DoD and various Foreign Military (FMS) customers.

A successful candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and experience developing and managing the technical baseline associated with sustainment and product support of aircraft systems including Support Equipment development, Depot & Operational Level Task Order development, Fleet Repair Modification, Reliability, Maintainability, Provisioning (Sparing), Testability / Flight Test Operations, and Technician Training development. A strong knowledge in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, mission computing, and communications engineering concepts is also required. In addition, leadership and communication skills are essential to help drive issues to closure and provide clear insight to executive leadership.

Primary Job Responsibilities (but not limited to):

 * Responsibility / technical authority for the F-35 Product Support & Sustainment Statement of Work
 * Maintains technical baseline and oversees technical activities within the Program Sustainment IPT
 * Ensure work is being executed to sound Sector, Division & Program Engineering Processes & Tools
 * Ensure products are meeting customer requirements and quality expectations within given timelines and affordability targets.
 * Responsible for configuration management and managing change through a program Class I / II change process.
 * Overseeing preparation, review, approval, and execution of affordable engineering and/or logistics engineering change proposals (ECPs) (LECPs)
 * Executing a robust system engineering approach and maximizing reuse across other Air programs support systems to optimize affordability


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