Consulting Systems Engineer- Ship Construction & Sensor Installation

Overview

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE TYPE:
Secret
TRAVEL:
Yes, 25% of the Time

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people’s lives today and for generations to come. We value bold ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to invent the future, with a culture that embraces intellectual curiosity and diversity. Our employees are part of history and are making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning in rapidly changing global security environments. We’re looking for innovators who can help expand our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel missions. By joining our shared mission, you’ll expand your network and develop skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader.

Northrop Grumman provides resources, support, and a team to do some of the best work of your career.

The Surface Ship Construction & Sensor Installation Subject Matter Expert provides technical leadership and expertise across all phases of U.S. Navy surface combatant construction, integration, and testing. This role supports government and industry partners by advising on shipbuilding processes, combat system and sensor installation requirements, schedule integration, risk management, and system readiness. The SME ensures ship construction and modernization efforts meet Navy technical standards, program objectives, and fleet operational requirements.

• Advise on all phases of surface ship construction, including structural build, module integration, outfitting, and test events.
• Evaluate shipbuilder progress, production quality, material readiness, and adherence to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) specifications.
• Support design reviews, drawings, work packages, and configuration management activities.
• Provide expertise on installation, alignment, and integration of major sensors, including:
  • Radar arrays (e.g., SPY-series, AN/SPS-series)
  • EO/IR systems
  • EW/ES systems

• Ensure sensor installation meets configuration, EMI/EMC, cooling, power, cyber, and alignment requirements.
• Support Combat Systems Light-Off (CSLO), testing, and certification events.
• Serve as a technical advisor to Program Offices (PEOs), shipyards, and fleet stakeholders.
• Identify risks to schedule, cost, and technical performance; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support ship checks, readiness assessments, trials, and milestone reviews (e.g., HM&E Light-Off, Builder’s Trials, Acceptance Trials).
• Interpret NAVSEA technical manuals, interface control documents, and ship specifications.
• Translate operational fleet needs into technical requirements for construction and modernization programs.
• Ensure ship capabilities align with mission profiles, Combat System requirements, and CONOPS.

This position is contingent upon contract award, and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance.

• Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with 16+ years of experience, master’s degree with 14+ years of experience or Ph.D. with 12+ years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S Citizen required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance.
• Experience with Navy surface ship construction, modernization, or Combat Systems integration.
• Experience with NAVSEA processes, shipyard production, and sensor/combat system installation requirements.
• Experience with supporting ship trials, test events, and fleet introduction.
• Experience with shipyards, OEMs, government engineers, and fleet representatives.

• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics or other related technical fields.
• A current/active DoD Top Secret Clearance or higher.
• Prior experience with a Navy Program Office (e.g., PEO Ships, PEO IWS).
• Background as a Navy Combat Systems Officer, Systems Test Officer,…