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Staff Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Mission System's Engineering and Sciences (E&S) Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) Division is seeking a Staff Chief Engineer to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals.

Senior Staff Chief Engineer

Baltimore, MD

$103K - $142K/yr

The Senior Staff Chief Engineer within the Foundational Systems Engineering group serves as the technical leader for the program's engineering team and a key technical advisor to the program manager.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems\'s Engineering & Science (E&S) Multidomain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability (MSTS) division is seeking a Staff Chief Engineer to join our team of qualified and ...

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) has an immediate opportunity for a Staff Chief Engineer, supporting the Mission Systems organization. This is role encompassing technical competency, and team ...

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) has an immediate opportunity for a Staff Chief Engineer, supporting the Mission Systems organization. This is role encompassing technical competency, and team ...

Staff Chief Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

This IPT Lead will be required to lead an engineering team working to transition designs to production for a very important sector priority program with many time-critical elements and high ...

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$33K

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How much do staff chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff chief engineer in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Staff Chief Engineer do?

A Staff Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations and maintenance of complex systems, facilities, or vessels, depending on the industry. They supervise a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring all equipment runs efficiently and safely. Their duties often include planning maintenance schedules, troubleshooting technical issues, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Staff Chief Engineers also play a key role in training staff and implementing new technologies or processes to improve performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Staff Chief Engineer?

To thrive as a Staff Chief Engineer, you need extensive engineering experience, a relevant bachelor's degree (often in mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering), and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with industry-specific systems such as CAD software, maintenance management systems, and regulatory compliance certifications (like STCW for maritime roles) is typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and effective coordination across engineering teams and projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a Staff Chief Engineer when leading multidisciplinary engineering teams?

A Staff Chief Engineer often manages teams comprised of engineers from various specialties, which can present challenges in communication, aligning technical priorities, and ensuring seamless collaboration. Balancing project timelines, resource allocation, and differing technical perspectives requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the Staff Chief Engineer must stay current with industry technology trends while mentoring junior staff, ensuring that the team both delivers on immediate project goals and advances their professional development.
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Infographic showing various Staff Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Senior Staff Chief Engineer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission System's Engineering and Sciences (E&S) Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) Division is seeking a Staff Chief Engineer to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals. You will be responsible for the technical direction and execution of all aspects of engineering on a program including design, development, implementation, integration, testing, and delivery of product to the customer. This position will be in Baltimore, MD, and is a full time on site role.
What You'll Get to Do:

The Senior Staff Chief Engineer within the Foundational Systems Engineering group serves as the technical leader for the program's engineering team and a key technical advisor to the program manager. In this role, the Senior Staff Chief Engineer is typically the primary technical point of contact for the customer, providing clear guidance and direction on engineering matters. The Senior Staff Chief Engineer drives alignment across the program's Systems Engineering team and other engineering disciplines, ensuring effective coordination and integration of technical activities. This role is accountable for making sure all engineering teams rigorously follow sound engineering practices in accordance with company procedures, established guidelines, and quality standards.

  • Manage technical development and direction for all aspects of engineering on a program including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.

  • Collect and provide required data for Northrop Grumman MS program reporting of engineering performance.

  • Serve as the technical authority for the program, including serving as chair of the Technical Review Board.

  • Serve as engineering team liaison for communications to/from Program Management, Manufacturing, Operations, customers, and other functional organizations.

  • Oversee technical content for system design reviews (SDR) (e.g., System Requirements Review (SRR), System Functional Review (SFR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), System Verification Review (SVR), and Test Readiness Review (TRR)) including entrance and exit criteria.

  • Ensure integration of the overall technical plan within the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).

  • Ensure overall technical quality and performance for all engineering content for the program.

  • Ensure the program adheres to sound engineering processes in development, production, test, and sustainment in accordance with company policies, processes, and quality standards.

  • Drive process development, continuous improvement, and affordability initiatives within their associated programs.

  • Collaborate and arbitrate if required with all Product Team Leads to resolve engineering conflicts.

  • Support the program manager in risk and opportunity management by identifying and owning risks associated with system performance.

  • Perform any program specific responsibilities allocated to the role by the engineering functional and program management.

  • Coordinate between the System Architect, SEIT Lead, Product Team Lead(s), program manager, and customer to ensure the integrity and executability of the program technical baseline.


This position is contingent on contract award, the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 14 years of experience, a master's degree with 12 years of experience, or a PhD with 10 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • U.S Citizenship is required.

  • A current/active U.S Government Secret Clearance.

  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

  • Experience leading Integrated Product Team (IPT) initiatives, driving technical direction and fostering cross functional collaboration.

  • Extensive background in systems engineering, integration, and test (SEIT) with a track record of successful program execution.

  • Solid understanding of Electro Optical/Infrared (EOIR) design principles and architecture.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.

  • Active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher.

  • Experience as a Control Account Manager (CAM) managing Earned Value Management System (EVMS) projects.

  • Domain expertise in defense sensor systems.

  • Experience with the technical development and direction for many aspects of engineering on a program, including design, development, implementation, testing, and delivery of product to a customer.

  • Experience coordinating with external subcontractors, primes, and/or suppliers.


Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00The 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