Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Configuration Manager

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff System Engineer-Configuration Management to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This will be supporting our Research and Advance Design Expendables Operating Unit. This role is located in Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA.

The Configuration Management lead is responsible for leading, executing, and optimizing all configuration management activities across the program lifecycle. The CM ensures the integrity, traceability, and control of program data, deliverables, Cameo models, and documentation in accordance with contractual and organizational standards.

• →CPLM / Configuration Control: Establish, maintain, and enforce effective configuration management processes using Collaborative Product Lifecycle Management (CPLM) systems. Oversee configuration change boards and ensure all engineering changes are properly controlled, tracked, and documented for the program.
• →CDRL/SDRL Management: Own the delivery, tracking, and documentation of all Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Subcontract Data Requirements List (SDRL) deliverables for the program. Coordinate with engineering and functional teams to ensure data package accuracy and timely submission to the customer and sub contractors.
• →Cameo Control (MBSE): Manage configuration and version control for Cameo models (MBSE artifacts). Ensure Cameo model baselines, change history, and collaborative updates are properly maintained and integrated into program configuration management workflows.
• →Data Management: Develop and manage workflows, version control, and data release protocols for all program documents, technical drawings, Cameo models, software baselines, and hardware items. Maintain the master document list and configuration status accounting.
• →Agile Tool Sets: Manage documentation on Confluence and other Similar tools.
• →Baseline Establishment: Define and maintain program baselines throughout development phases (SRR, PDR, CDR, production, etc.), ensuring all changes are reviewed, approved, and recorded—including model-based baselines in Cameo.
• →Audit & Compliance: Support and lead configuration audits, including functional, physical, and baseline audits. Ensure compliance with internal policies, customer requirements, and government regulations
• →Collaboration: Serve as the main configuration management interface to internal teams, subcontractors, and customers. Provide CM expertise to engineering, program management, quality, and supplier teams—including support for Cameo/MBSE team members.
• →Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to CM processes, tools, and policies to enhance efficiency and data integrity.
• →Reporting: Generate regular configuration management status reports for program leadership and prepare inputs for major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, and production milestones).
• →The selected candidate must have strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to communicate with all level of program, sub contractors, and customer.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in STEM Discipline and 8 years of related engineering, technical management, and/or related military experience OR Masters of Science Degree in STEM and 6 years related experience, or PhD in STEM and 4 years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience in configuration management within defense, aeronautics, or complex engineering environments
• Experience in CPLM/PLM systems, Cameo (MBSE) version control, Confluence, and/or document/data management systems
• Experience in US defense CDRL/SDRL processes and compliance requirements
• Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret US Clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

• Primary Owner of CPLM tools.
• Experience Leading Customer Deliverables
• Experience leading Change Control Boards
• Experience with cradle to grave processes (conceptual design through production) for configuration management.
• Experience with Expendables/One time use missiles.
• Experience with the DoD acquisition lifecycle, classified program execution, and support to technical proposals, SOWs, and BOEs.
• Experience briefing results to senior leadership and government customers.
• Working knowledge of Aeronautical disciplines: Flight Sciences, Subsystems, Software, Structures, Vehicles, Test and Evaluation, Survivability, Mission Systems, Manufacturing and Production, Product Support, and Global Supply Chain.