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# Weapon Systems Development Lead Level 6 (AHT)

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $192,800.0 - $289,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Information Technology, DODAF
- **Published:** August 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.beyondlosangeles.com/job.asp?id=3367836367&tx=FR6764FFI&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is looking for a Weapon Systems Development Lead Level 6 that will spearhead the definition, development, and delivery of cross-functional capabilities that enable the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AWBU) to design, prototype, and field next generation defense systems in Northridge, CA . Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, and manufactures weapon systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives.

This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current US Government Secret security clearance .

The Weapon Systems Development Lead 6 will lead cross-functional engineering teams across the full weapon system development lifecycle, using the Integrated Functional Capability (IFC) plan to align software, systems engineering, integration, and test activities with performance, schedule, and mission requirements. This position requires strong technical depth, systems thinking, and the ability to coordinate effectively with program leadership, customers, and partner engineering disciplines., * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Defense Technology or a related field, with 14 years of defense or aerospace product development; or a Master's with 12+ years of the same experience; or Ph.D with 10+ years of the same

 * 5+ years of experience leading large, multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams of 20+ personnel in a matrix organization
 * Experience coordinating complex, multi-contract development programs in a defense or aerospace environment.
 * Experience integrating software for real-time, embedded, distributed, or mission-critical systems
 * Strong knowledge with requirements development, system architecture, interface management and integration/testing of complex systems.
 * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical stakeholders
 * Current US Government Secret security clearance, * Proven record delivering integrated weapon-system capabilities (e.g., missiles, directed-energy, unmanned platforms)
 * Proficiency with systems
 * Familiarity with DoDAF, MIL-STD-499B, ACAT acquisition processes
 * Experience in model-based analysis, trade studies, and performance-modeling tools
 * Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
 * Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong influencing and negotiation capabilities
 * Experience in presenting complex technical concepts to senior military and industry stakeholders
 * Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage requirements, schedules, and risk.
 * Familiarity with lean-agile and model-based engineering frameworks.

#LI-MA.

## Description

Strategic Planning

 * Develop and maintain the overarching strategic IFC Plan for each product line.
 * Translate the strategic vision into detailed IFC plans, schedules, and resource allocations.

Program Coordination

 * Align the work of hardware and software IPTs with the IFC schedule and milestones.
 * Synchronize development baselines across contracts to avoid conflicts and gaps.

Execution & Integration

 * Oversee the evolution of the IFC plan through architecture, hardware, and software design phases.
 * Manage functional activities such as testing, quality assurance, logistics support, and readiness for ground- and flight-test phases.

Certification & Release

 * Lead the IFC effort to certification, confirming that the integrated product set satisfies functional and performance requirements.
 * Compile and deliver the IFC system certificate package for ground test, flight test, developmental/operational test, and evaluation.

Systems Engineering Leadership

 * Expand technical breadth across a diverse portfolio of mission threads.
 * Drive the transition from traditional systems engineering rigor to lean-agile, model-based processes.

Control Account & Risk Management

 * Own Control Account Management responsibilities, tracking budget, schedule, and performance metrics.
 * Identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle.


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