Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an Electrical Engineer – Level 3 to join our team in Sterling, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
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 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.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Rack, panel, and cable design, electrical interconnects, wiring diagrams, and applicable schematics
- Developing certification procedures
- Hardware checkout/troubleshooting which includes root cause determination, problem resolution and documentation updates.
- Interfacing 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.
- Other duties as assigned
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
- Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application
- 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).
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Self-motivated and able to effectively work in small teams.
- 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.
- Grounding and signal preservation techniques.
- Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python.
- Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
#NoVASpace
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience, or master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application
- Proficiency with integrated analog, power, and digital hardware design
- Proficiency in rack design, panel design, cable design, and schematic layouts
- Proficiency with laboratory test equipment such as digital multimeters and oscilloscopes for debugging and troubleshooting
- Familiarity with high-speed serial interface protocols including TCP/IP, SpaceWire, LVDS, RS-422/485, and 1553
- Proficiency with electrical or mechanical design tools such as Visio, Creo, or Zuken
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work self-motivated and effectively in small teams
- Technical leadership experience
- Ability to work independently with minimal management oversight and lead simulation hardware work across programs
- Understanding of EVMS and ability to create and maintain schedules and budgets
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, including explaining complex ideas clearly
- Knowledge of grounding and signal preservation techniques
- Microsoft Office Suite experience
- Strong analytical and diagnostic skills
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python
- Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
-
Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








