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# Sr. Staff Systems Architect

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Rolling Meadows, IL, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $184,100.0 - $276,100.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Firmware, IBM Rational Software, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, SC Clearance
- **Published:** August 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3367804427&tx=KR7171FFJ&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

* BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 14+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience
 * 5+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phases
 * Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
 * Prior experience negotiating with customers to convert customer needs into testable system requirements
 * Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadership
 * Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
 * Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start, * Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
 * Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
 * Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
 * Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross-reference artifacts
 * Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
 * Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

## Description

The System Architect serves as the authority for the system architecture and design, and owns responsibility to create, evolve, and maintain the architecture of the system to meet operational needs, while accommodating known constraints such as cost, schedule, and risk, and tailoring the systems requirements margins relative to the risk and compliance with the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). The System Architect also owns responsibility for maintaining alignment between the appropriate solution and internal roadmaps, product lines or common components, if applicable.


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