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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr Principal Systems Architect Engineer - Global Sys & SW Archit - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $129,300.0 - $193,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Systems Engineering, Architectural Patterns, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Software Design Patterns, Network Interface Controllers, Systems Analysis, Network Architecture, Object-Oriented Software Development, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Virtualization Technology, Containerization, Information Technology, Operational Systems - **Published:** June 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8975088/sr-principal-systems-architect-engineer-global-sys-sw-archit ## About the Role * A Bachelor's Degree in STEM Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master's degree ( preferred ) in a STEM-related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 4 years of relevant work experience * Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be read on to SCI clearance * Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs * Deep understanding of systems engineering processes and software engineering principles * Proven record of applying those principles to craft product solutions that are maintainable, reliable, usable, and scalable * System architecture artifacts: Experience producing, reviewing, and maintaining artifacts such as requirements specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Use Cases, System Architecture Descriptions, Trade Study reports, Data Flow Diagrams, "ilities" analyses (reliability, maintainability, usability, scalability, etc.), and other MBSE deliverables * Complex software development: Hands-on work with Object-Oriented Analysis/Design (OOA/OOD) and the implementation of large, integrated software systems that meet strict "ilities" goals * Team collaboration: Comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams that include systems, software, and specialty engineers to deliver end-to-end solutions * Communication: Excellent written skills and the ability to present technical approaches and findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences * Engineering planning: Capable of writing and executing detailed engineering plans in a project environment * Federal acquisition expertise: Hands-on experience executing under FAR (e.g., operational concept development, requirements mapping, system decomposition, design pattern compliance, artifact creation, implementation, and sell-off) * Analysis & Trade Studies: Proven ability to lead or conduct Analysis of Alternatives, trade studies, and design evaluations * Domain knowledge (primary focus) Command and Control (C2) systems - design, integration, and operation of C2 architectures * Domain knowledge (secondary/desired) Space and Missile Defense systems - experience with mission-critical architectures, sensor fusion, and weapon system interfaces * Cybersecurity concepts and network architecture technologies (understanding of dependencies and design drivers) * Personal qualities: Strong desire to learn new missions and emerging technologies Preferred Qualifications: * Object-oriented languages (Java preferred) and production of OOD/OOA deliverables * Crafting mission definition concepts with customer input, near-real-time, persistent, distributed user processing * Experience in systems analysis, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), virtualization, containerization, and cloud computing principles * Processing sensor data ## Description The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems. Essential Functions: Collaboration - Work under the direction of the Global Chief Architect (or delegate) with task-order engineers, software architects, and program managers to translate requirements into architecturally compliant allocations and to complete design packages that meet the mandated "ilities" criteria. Requirements & Architecture - Develop, review, and baseline derived system requirements, architectural decompositions, and engineering estimates, explicitly addressing maintainability, reliability, usability, and scalability throughout. Technical Interface - Serve as the technical liaison to MDA working-level counterparts. Mentorship - Provide guidance and skill-building to junior systems engineering staff, emphasizing "ilities"-focused design thinking. Governance & Planning - Participate in iteration planning, internal review boards, and governance activities; educate teammates on architectural patterns in use; ensure designs are testable, traceable, and optimized for long-term operation. Flexibility - Ability to shift between tasks on short notice and support varied mission needs. Travel - Periodic travel to CONUS program review sites (Huntsville, AL) and local trips in the Colorado Springs area. Limited additional travel to support program needs. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Green Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/592-green-cloud-computing) - [Robots 2.0: When artificial intelligence meets steel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1452-robots-2-0-when-artificial-intelligence-meets-steel) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [We (don't) need a software architect!?!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/663-we-don-t-need-a-software-architect) - [WebAssembly: The Next Frontier of Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/972-webassembly-the-next-frontier-of-cloud-computing) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers)