Electrical Engineer Level 3 - Simulation Hardware - Sterling

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

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.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and Agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

We have an opening for an experienced l Electrical Engineer Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization. This position is located in Dulles, VA.

Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Systems is seeking a Top Secret cleared candidate for simulation hardware work on large commercial and non-commercial space programs. Studies in electrical engineering is expected with strong mechanical knowledge and abilities. Software knowledge in STOL scripting is a plus.

As part of the simulation hardware team, the candidate will work side-by-side with Flatsat Systems software engineering, developing Flatsat Systems. Development includes requirements definition, design, documentation, and overseeing the assembly of Flatsat simulation systems. The Flatsat System is comprised of a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Rack, used to implement closed-loop simulation on Space Vehicle (SV) Testbed with integrated avionics flight computers. The HITL Rack provides power, TCR uplink/downlink functionality, and complete SV closed loop simulation for the Flatsat testbed with integrated avionics. The Flatsat Testbed contains harnessing that is electrically similar to the spacecraft harness connecting avionics units to the HITL Rack.

The engineer candidate will work with your team to define requirements based upon the program’s needs, select hardware to simulate SV component data and control interfaces, define testbed harness connections to avionics units, the interfaces to simulate SV components, as well as test and integrate the completed Flatsat System with the avionics units before delivery. The candidate will be part of a small Flatsat Design Team consisting of both software and hardware engineers supporting a number of programs. The HITL racks provide power, TCR uplink/downlink functionality, and complete SV closed loop simulation for the Flatsat testbed with integrated avionics. engineers supporting a multitude of diverse space programs. The candidate is responsible for the electrical and mechanical design, to include parts lists or bills of material, fabrication documentation, and fabrication guidance of the HITL Rack and Testbed. Responsibilities include rack, panel, and cable design, electrical interconnects, wiring diagrams, and applicable schematics, developing certification procedures, and hardware checkout/troubleshooting. Troubleshooting will include root cause determination, problem resolution and documentation updates. In this role, the candidate will interface with spacecraft subsystem design engineers, flight software engineers, systems engineers, simulation software engineers, parts procurement, and assembly technicians, in order to provide support for various Flatsat simulation tasks as required. Position focuses on the full Flatsat System design cycle, from conception through design to fabrication and integration/test support.

Excellent troubleshooting skills for problem isolation and resolution are necessary for long term system and on-orbit anomaly support.

Prior work in an engineering organization and the ability to lead a simulation hardware development team is beneficial. Ability to debug simulation hardware and software for avionics integration and test environments using common lab equipment is preferred. Excellent writing, reading and speaking skills are expected as the candidate will be involved in the entire Flatsat system development, test and operations lifecycle and will interface with many program engineers from other disciplines. Familiarity with typical spacecraft avionics communication standards and basic electrical engineering practices is beneficial. Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and proposals is essential as this position requires the ability to understand schedules and budgets and effectively report progress.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (ideally Electrical Engineering) with 5 years of experience; or Master’s degree with 3 years.

• Active TS clearance at time of application with SCI eligibility
• Proficient with integrated (analog, power, digital) hardware design
• Proficient in rack design, panel design, cable design, and schematic layouts.
• Proficient with lab test equipment such as DMMs and O-Scopes with the ability to operate them for debug and troubleshooting.
• Familiar with high-speed serial interface protocol (TCP/IP, SPACEWIRE, LVDS, RS422/485, 1553).
• Proficient with electrical and/or mechanical design tools (e.g., Visio, CREO, Zuken).
• Technical leadership experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal management oversight and act as the simulation hardware lead on varying programs.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Ability to understand EVMS. Create and maintain schedules and budgets and effectively report progress and maintain both.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Self-motivated and able to effectively work in small teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Grounding and signal preservation techniques.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Experience with Agile and DevSecOps is preferred.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management and/or proposals.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python.
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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.