Sr. Principal Engineer Airworthiness Data Strategy

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector has an opening for a Sr. Principal Airworthiness Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is based in Melbourne, FL. Hybrid/remote work possible.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people’s lives around the world today, and for generations to come.

In an increasingly data-driven world, organizations must develop robust data strategies to harness the full potential of their data assets. A cohesive Airworthiness data strategy ensures that information is accurately consolidated and presented, streamlining the certification process, and enhancing regulatory compliance. When executed successfully, this process mitigates risks and can accelerate time-to-market for new aircraft. 

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Airworthiness and Weapon Systems Cybersecurity (AWWSC) directorate, headquartered in in Melbourne, FL has an immediate opening for a ‘Sr. Principal Engineer – Airworthiness’ to lead the data analytics strategy for Airworthiness including metrics and visualization, digital standards, digital engineering integration, and participating in industry policy development.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:​

• Lead AWWSC’s data engineering effort in 5 areas: 1) Data Analytics and Visualization 2) Shape digital standards 3) Support integration of AWWSC into the Digital Engineering Ecosystem (DEE) 4) Develop related policy through participation with industry groups 5) Subject matter expert for the Airworthiness Data Domain.

• Participate in industry and government organizations that are developing digital standards products (e.g., specifications, guidance, handbooks, standards, Data Item Descriptions (DIDs)) published in machine-readable and machine-interpretable formats that enable use in digital tools and processes. This includes models and other standardized products that are not document-based.

•  Develop strategy to implement the Department of War’s (DoW) Data Strategy along with the Digital Standards Strategy.

• Support modernization by providing vision, focus, guiding principles, essential capabilities, and goals necessary to evolve the team into a fully digital-centric organization.

•  Support the data strategy and management of data within the AWWSC Center of Technical Excellence (CoTE), to assure adherence to governance practices.  Serve as a liaison to the central data governance team.

• Conduct training and awareness sessions for engineers on data analytics best practices, metadata capture, and procedures. 

• Capture feedback from data consumers and drive enhancements to data definitions, taxonomy extensions, and quality processes.  Identify data related risks in the domain and propose mitigation actions.'

• Support the logical and systematic realization of customer-related airworthiness requirements into system solutions to meet program objectives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Sr Principal: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline with 8 years of related experience; OR Master of Science with 6 years of related experience; OR Ph.D. with 4 years of related experience   

• Experience with Digital Standards development

• Experience with Python, visual tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, .NET, Python Visuals), database admin, SQL, workflows, AWS, SAP.

• Familiarity with data catalog tools and basic concepts of taxonomy and ontology.

• Proven ability to work cross functionally with data architects, engineers, analysts, and senior leaders.

• Ability to obtain U.S. Government in-scope DoD Secret security clearance or higher within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of delivering clear guidance and conducting workshops for engineers.

• Experience with Apache Airflow, backend to frontend pipelines, code repositories, Data Mesh, and ASOTs.

• Experience working with information technology, data governance frameworks, metadata, or data stewardship programs.

• Experience with domestic or international standards development organizations

• Development of, or creating, standards for artificial intelligence or machine learning (AI/ML)

• Familiarity with the DoW acquisition process

• Civil/Military aircraft development or modification experience

• Familiarity of MIL-HDBK-516C or D

• A current active U.S. Government in-scope DoD Secret security clearance or higher and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR/SAP).