Staff Engineer Jobs in Alabama
Staff Engineer jobs in Alabama are in steady demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive manufacturing, and civil infrastructure, with openings ranging from mid-career technologists to principal-level engineering leads. Huntsville, Birmingham, and the Greater Decatur corridor account for the bulk of hiring, anchored by employers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Alabama Power. The most sought-after specialties in the state include systems engineering, electrical and power systems, and software-defined platforms tied to defense programs. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Staff Systems Engineer (Lead) (26-499) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, or Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.
This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.
Position Overview:
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.
Essential Functions:
- Lead and mentor a regional systems engineering team (~30 junior and senior engineers) while continuing to execute core engineering tasks, including capability concepts, modeling, analysis, test support, and requirement verification
- Set technical priorities for the regional SE team, create and review capability concepts, and conduct rigorous technical reviews to ensure high-quality engineering products
- Remain “hands-on” by actively producing and reviewing key engineering artifacts, including requirements, architecture views, and interface documentation
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams while remaining actively engaged in technical work
- Strong track record of delivering decomposed, traceable requirements linked to a validated system architecture for large-scale defense programs
- Experience with regional C2BMC implementations, including sensor management, tasking, cueing, and discrimination, as well as an understanding of BMDS operational constraints and environments
- Proven ability to collaborate directly with multiple customer and contractor organizations (government, DoD, industry) in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate model-based analyses into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leaders and operators
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to support program and customer needs
Basic Qualifications:
Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in STEM Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Project Management, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 12 years of experience; or a Master’s degree (preferred) in a STEM-related field with 10 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 8 years of relevant work experience
- Applicants must have a current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CISSP, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their 8140 certifications throughout the entire contract period
- Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
- Extensive systems engineering background with hands-on MBSE experience (SysML/UML modeling, requirement decomposition, architecture development) within missile defense or other high-complexity, mission-critical domains
Model-Based Requirement Decomposition
- Lead the systematic breakdown of high-level operational needs into traceable, hierarchical system and interface requirements linked directly to architectural elements
- Capture warfighter, operator, and stakeholder intent in a model-based repository (e.g., DOORS Next, Jama Connect) and maintain a single source of truth
- Perform functional decomposition using SysML Use Case and Activity diagrams to derive system-level functions, sub-functions, and allocated capabilities
- Decompose functional requirements into hierarchical, traceable low-level system and interface requirements; link each low-level requirement to the originating stakeholder need and to the relevant architectural element
- Maintain bidirectional traceability (needs, functional requirements, logical and physical requirements, and verification) throughout the product lifecycle; use model queries to assess the impact of changes automatically
- Facilitate requirement workshops with customers and subject matter experts to validate decomposed requirements and capture clear acceptance criteria
Architecture Development & Management
- Lead SE teams in creating, validating, and maintaining robust, model-based system architecture that supports regional C2BMC functional and performance objectives
- Develop coherent logical and physical architectures using SysML Block Definition Diagrams (BDD), Internal Block Diagrams (IBD), and parametric diagrams as needed
- Define subsystem boundaries, interfaces, and data flows that support regional C2BMC functions such as sensor management, cueing, tasking, and discrimination
- Create architecture viewpoints (operational, systems, services, allocation, behavior) aligned with DoDAF and UAF standards to communicate design intent to diverse audiences clearly
- Perform architecture trade studies (e.g., performance, cost, risk, survivability) within the model environment and generate quantitative results (timing, bandwidth, processing load) that feed back into requirement refinement
- Validate architectural compliance with C2BMC operational concepts and regional constraints (latency, bandwidth, threat environment) using model-based simulation and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or integrated SysML simulation environments)
Model-Based Analyses & Verification
- Lead the team in conducting trade studies and reliability assessments directly from the system model
- Partner with Integration and Test teams to generate model-derived test cases and automate verification of requirement satisfaction against the model
- Analyze test results, update models to reflect observed behavior, and close the verification loop to ensure accurate, current digital representations of the system
Interface Control & Management
- Direct the development and maintenance of authoritative Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Requirements Specifications (IRS) derived from the architectural model
- Ensure any interface changes are promptly reflected across all linked requirements and design elements to mitigate configuration drift and integration risk.
Stakeholder Representation & Communication
- Embed warfighter and operator viewpoints into the system model to ensure operational intent is preserved through design, integration, and test
- Work directly with government, DoD, and industry partners to derive requirements, architecture, and interfaces from their capability inputs
- Prepare and deliver clear, technically rigorous briefings, architecture overviews, and requirement traceability reports to senior leadership, program management, and external stakeholders
Process & Tool Integration
- Integrate MBSE tools with configuration management systems (e.g., Git, SVN) and requirements management tools to enforce a single source of truth and disciplined change control
- Champion Model-Driven Development & Test processes, ensuring models drive code generation, simulation, and verification activities
- Promote the adoption of MDNT, Agile/Iterative SE, and DoD MBSE guidelines across the team to enhance efficiency, quality, and repeatability
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering- Graduate Certificate: Model-Based Systems Engineering (Ex: Stevens, Caltech, UCSD, USC, GWU, INCOSE cohort, etc)
- Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification
- Certification: Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional - Model Builder Intermediate (OCSMP - MBI)
- MBSE tools experience with one or more of the following: Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Enterprise Architect, or equivalent
- Requirements management experience with DOORS, DOORS Next, Jama Connect, Polarion, or similar tools, with strong emphasis on requirement-to-model linking and traceability
- Architecture modeling expertise using SysML BDD, IBD, and parametric diagrams; familiarity with DoDAF and UAF architectural views
- Ability to conduct model-based performance, timing, and reliability simulations using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or built-in SysML simulation capabilities
- Experience generating model-derived test cases and supporting SIL/HIL test campaigns to validate requirements and architecture
- Comfortable collaborating across software, hardware, network, and cyber engineering disciplines to co-develop integrated, model-based solutions
- Working knowledge of MDNT, Agile/Iterative systems engineering practices, and DoD MBSE guidelines
- Demonstrated leadership and communication skills, including the ability to define, delegate, and review technical work while maintaining deep technical engagement, and to convey complex model information to non-technical audiences
- MBSE certification is a plus
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:
- Health Plan
- Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Education Assistance
- Training and Development
- Flexible Work Arrangements
https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx
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Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $253,600.00 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.See All 20 Staff Engineer Jobs in Alabama
Find roles in Alabama that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Staff Engineer JobsStaff Engineer Jobs by City in Alabama
Where Alabama roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Staff Engineer Job Market in Alabama
A snapshot from current Alabama openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Alabama Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in staff engineer jobs across Alabama.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors preferred for senior roles
- Seven or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrated technical leadership of cross-functional or multi-site engineering teams
- Experience with systems integration, design reviews, or lifecycle engineering on large programs
- Active security clearance or eligibility for clearance required by most defense and aerospace employers
Staff Engineer Jobs in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a staff engineer in Alabama?
Most staff engineer roles in Alabama require a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution, followed by several years of progressively senior technical work. Engineers who lead licensed design work typically pursue licensure through the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams. Defense-sector roles additionally require obtaining a federal security clearance through the sponsoring employer.
Which companies hire staff engineers in Alabama?
Employers hiring staff engineers in Alabama right now include Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Motion, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Alabama's defense and aerospace concentration in the Huntsville area means a large share of these openings sit with government contractors and systems integrators with long-term program presence in the state.
Which Alabama cities have the most staff engineer jobs?
Huntsville, Alabama, and Theodore have the most staff engineer openings in Alabama. Huntsville dominates due to Redstone Arsenal, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and the dense contractor ecosystem surrounding them, while Birmingham draws hiring from utilities, infrastructure firms, and regional engineering consultancies, and smaller markets reflect the manufacturing and defense supplier footprint spread across north and central Alabama.
Are there remote staff engineer jobs in Alabama?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused fields, since staff engineering in Alabama often involves hardware, systems integration, or on-site program work. About 50% of staff engineer openings tied to Alabama are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and the roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are those centered on software architecture, model-based systems engineering, or technical program coordination rather than hands-on lab or manufacturing work.
How can I get hired as a staff engineer in Alabama with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a rotational or new-graduate engineering program at a major Alabama employer, such as the early-career engineering programs run by Boeing's Huntsville operations, Lockheed Martin, or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Completing an internship tied to Redstone Arsenal contractors or Alabama's automotive sector, including facilities operated by companies like Honda or Mercedes-Benz in central Alabama, builds the program exposure that accelerates promotion. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early and pursuing EIT registration in Alabama signals readiness to employers before you have years of direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to staff engineer jobs in Alabama?
You can find and apply to staff engineer jobs in Alabama on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 20 Staff Engineer Jobs in Alabama
Find roles in Alabama that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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