Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer

As a Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you'll hold significant responsibility for developing, decomposing, and managing capability-specific requirements from system to unit. You'll also engage in verification planning, document management in tools like Cameo, and ensure effective communication of technical approaches. This role is central to delivering cutting-edge technology that impacts our safety and lives.

To qualify for the Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer role at Northrop Grumman, candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field along with relevant experience - 5 years for Principal and 8 years for Senior Principal. Furthermore, candidates need an active TS/SCI clearance established at application time and familiarity with model-based systems engineering concepts.

While prior experience with agile methodologies is not mandatory for the Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer position at Northrop Grumman, it is preferred. Familiarity with tools like JIRA and Confluence is seen as a strong advantage, as it demonstrates an understanding of agile workflows that are essential to the role.

At Northrop Grumman, career growth opportunities abound for a Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous learning, cross-disciplines engagements, and leadership roles. Our supportive culture promotes innovation and gives you the platform to take on more responsibilities, contributing to advanced projects and initiatives in your field.

The work culture at Northrop Grumman for a Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Your ideas are valued, and there's a strong sense of teamwork as you work alongside talented engineers who share a passion for technological innovation. The atmosphere promotes professional and personal growth, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals.

When managing technical requirements as a Senior/Principal Thread Lead Systems Engineer, I prioritize clear communication with stakeholders to ensure all requirements are accurately captured. I utilize tools like DOORS for effective requirement management and conduct regular reviews to address any changes in specifications. Keeping documentation streamlined is essential for a successful engineering outcome.

In model-based systems engineering, I find tools like Cameo and SysML particularly useful for visualizing and managing complex systems. They enable me to create diagrams that clearly establish relationships between system elements and their requirements, assisting in maintaining alignment throughout the development process.

In a previous role, a conflict arose during a project where team members had differing opinions on the best design approach. I facilitated a series of discussions where everyone could present their viewpoints. By fostering an open dialogue, we identified common ground and developed a compromise that incorporated the best elements of each proposed approach, leading to a successful outcome.

To ensure compliance with systems engineering principles throughout a project, I advocate for establishing clear processes from the outset. I incorporate regular reviews and updates during each project phase, integrating feedback loops with the team and stakeholders. This approach ensures that every aspect of the project aligns with our engineering standards.

To effectively manage project timelines while ensuring quality, I implement Agile methodologies and utilize tools like JIRA for tracking progress. This allows for flexibility in the project timeline while maintaining high standards, as regular sprints provide opportunities to evaluate quality continually and adjust as necessary.

My approach to verification planning involves detailed documentation of requirements and expected outcomes from the beginning. I work closely with the testing team to develop a verification strategy that aligns with the project goals, ensuring that all tests are traceable back to the original requirements for comprehensive validation.

Communication plays a critical role in engineering projects by ensuring that all team members and stakeholders are aligned. I prioritize regular status updates and employ collaborative tools to facilitate open discussions. This helps in clarifying project goals, quickly addressing issues, and celebrating achievements.

In a past project, I successfully implemented MBSE by developing a comprehensive model that captured system functions and requirements. By using Cameo, I was able to visualize interdependencies and validate system behaviors early in the development process, which reduced late-stage changes and improved the project's overall efficiency.

When developing capability-specific requirements, I focus on stakeholder engagement to collect detailed input. I employ techniques such as requirement workshops and interviews to ensure all perspectives are considered. This collaborative approach helps yield clear and concise requirements that support the project's objectives.

I stay updated with developments in systems engineering by participating in professional organizations and attending conferences. Additionally, I read industry publications and engage in online courses, allowing me to continuously enhance my knowledge and apply the latest methodologies and best practices in my work.