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Cognitive Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to ... As part of the Systems Engineering Integration & Test functional homeroom, the Systems Engineer ...

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$53.5K

$127.2K

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How much do cognitive systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cognitive Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Systems Engineer, you need expertise in human factors engineering, systems design, cognitive psychology, and often a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with modeling tools, human-computer interaction software, and systems analysis platforms is typically required, along with certifications like CPE (Certified Professional Ergonomist) being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These abilities ensure engineered systems are user-friendly, optimize human-machine interaction, and support effective decision-making in complex environments.

How do Cognitive Systems Engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects?

Cognitive Systems Engineers often work closely with professionals from software development, human factors, data science, and domain-specific experts to design intuitive, human-centered systems. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings, joint requirements gathering, and iterative prototyping to ensure that technical solutions align with user needs and real-world workflows. Effective communication skills are crucial, as you’ll need to translate complex cognitive principles into actionable design recommendations for team members with varied backgrounds. This multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation and ensures robust, user-friendly system designs.

What are cognitive systems engineers?

Cognitive systems engineers are professionals who design and optimize complex systems by focusing on how humans interact with technology. They analyze human cognitive processes—such as perception, memory, and decision-making—to create systems that support users in performing tasks efficiently and safely. Cognitive systems engineers often work in fields like aviation, healthcare, and industrial automation to ensure that technology complements human abilities and reduces the risk of errors. Their work bridges psychology, engineering, and human-computer interaction.
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What job categories do people searching Cognitive Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cognitive Systems Engineer jobs are:
Principal Systems Engineer / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$122.80K - $184.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Architect Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization.This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

As an Systems Architect Engineer the candidate will develop system architectures, and define key capabilities and performance requirements. The individual will define design and technology maturity constraints of the system in accordance with customer specifications, develop thorough definition of system external interfaces and define system implementation approach and operational concept. The candidate will ensure requirements are met and evaluate performance with customer. This individual will be part of the Longshot team. The successful candidate will have the ability to analyze architectures and develop various DODAF or SysML Viewpoints in support of this effort.

Essential Functions:

Define system architectures

Architecture, CONOPS, and use case development using model-based systems engineering methodologies

Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.

Execution of trade studies to select from among multiple potential solutions

Perform Systems Requirements analysis

Management of requirements, include decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation

Foundation in Model Based Systems Engineering and Architecture Development

Communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings at technical and program reviews and boards.

Apply extensive technical expertise in the development of technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Systems Architect Engineer: Bachelor of science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of related experience OR Master of science Degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of related experience OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of related experience.

Senior Principal Systems Architect Engineer: Bachelor of science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with 8 years of related experience OR Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of related experience or a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related experience

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Systems Engineering, with experience using Model Based Systems Engineering

Foundation in Model Based Systems Engineering and Architecture Development

Applied knowledge of aircraft design

Experience in the military aerospace development environment is preferred.

Experience with Cameo Magic Draw or another MBSE tool such as Rhapsody, Sparx EA, and Enterprise Architect.

Experienced developing various DODAF view artifacts, especially Operational and functional viewpoints, using MBSE tools like CAMEO.

Experience with Agile workflows

Knowledge of configuration management of model-based architecture baselines

Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.

Proven ability to brief technical presentations to both internal and external stakeholders

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939