Director of Systems Integration Verification & Validation

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Northridge
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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. Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Director of Systems Integration Verification & Validation to drive integration, test, and production readiness for the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA . Reporting to the AW BU Senior Director of Engineering, this role will improve the quality, event readiness, and independence of system test, software test, verification, and overall production readiness. Key Responsibilities: Centralize responsibility for Integration & Test (I&T), Test & Evaluation (T&E), software I&T, engineering labs, and the management of Special Test Equipment. Establish an independent test authority to raise the overall quality of system level and software level verification and ensure production readiness milestones are met with documented, repeatable test evidence. Improve event readiness by implementing rigorous test schedules and quality metrics, ensuring that each system reaches production readiness on time. Ensure Special Test Equipment (STE) and lab resources are available, calibrated, fully integrated into the test process, and ready for both test and production. Measure improvements by tracking the ability to meet test and V&V schedules and quality targets, thereby reducing overall schedule risk and enhancing confidence in verification results. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline. A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in systems integration, verification and validation, test and evaluation, or related areas within aerospace, defense, or similar industries. Proven experience in leading integrated test organizations and managing complex, multi-disciplinary test programs. Prior experience in missile systems or the flight test domain. Strong understanding of system level and software level verification methodologies, test process optimization, and quality assurance practices. Excellent analytical, problem solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated success in influencing cross-functional teams. Active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance. Experience in managing test resources and Special Test Equipment programs that support high risk, high visibility projects. Must be a US Citizen Able to travel up to 25% Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline. Expertise in establishing independent test authorities and implementing rigorous test processes aligned with production readiness requirements. Familiarity with modern digital engineering tools and data driven verification workflows. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive test plans that drive measurable improvements in both schedule adherence and test quality. The ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, as required by the role. Primary Level Salary Range: $203,900.00 - $305,900.00 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.

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