Senior Staff Chief Engineer

United States-Minnesota-Plymouth
Full-time
$184,100.00 - $276,100.00
Posted Nov 12, 2026

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Skills

Communication
Negotiation
Problem Solving
Procurement
Public Speaking
Time Management
Wireframing

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The successful candidate for this role will serve as the senior engineering lead for our Fuze and Warheads Operating Unit in an emerging market area. This role requires a dynamic leader who can drive execution excellent in engineering across multiple projects. This role will function as the lead engineer for weapon payload development programs of significant complexity and scope, including oversight, planning and technical direction to engineering, design, procurement and manufacturing teams in support of the program manager; and as the primary technical interface with the customer technical team. This position requires an individual who can multi-task, delegate effectively, and possesses exceptional time management skills. Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills are critical. In this role, the individual will interface with program managers and customers, and direct the work of engineers of various disciplines to accomplish program objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

•Engineering Leadership:

•Direct research, design, and development efforts for new and existing technologies in support of our strategic mission in this emerging market.

•Ensure technical alignment across projects and programs, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

•Cross-Functional Team Leadership:

•Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure high performance and technical excellence.

•Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across the Fuze and Warheads Operating Unit.

•Liaise with internal and external engineering and technology leaders to promote best practices and coordinate integrated solutions.

•Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

•Act as the primary technical spokesperson, communicating complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

•Prepare and present detailed progress reports, proposals, and strategic plans to senior management and external partners.

•Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including government agencies and industry collaborators.

•Business Development Support:

•Work closely with business development teams to evaluate new opportunities.

•Drive successful capture of new business.

•Provide technical insights to support proposals, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives in both domestic and international markets.

•Ensure that technical strategies support and enhance overall business growth.

•Travel to meet with customers and suppliers

•Domestic: approximately 10-12 times per year.

•International: approximately 1 time per year.

Qualifications:

•14 Years with Bachelors in Science; 12 Years with Masters; 10 Years with PhD. Engineering degree is required; Electrical, Mechanical, Systems or Aerospace degree is strongly preferred.

•Extensive experience in engineering roles within complex, high-tech environments.

•Technical expertise related to fuze systems, warhead technologies, or associated defense technologies.

•Strong understanding of research and development processes, including technology maturity assessments and rapid prototyping.

•Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.

•Experience interfacing with business development teams and aligning technical strategies with market trends and customer needs.

•Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

•Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

•Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

•Commitment to continuous professional development and fostering innovation.

•U.S. Citizenship: must be able to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

•Able to multi-task and delegate effectively; and possess exceptional time management skills.

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.