This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, VA, is looking for an experienced mission architect who can be the subject matter expert and key customer interface for space security missions, focused on Ground Design and integration. This Architect will lead technical efforts supporting capture and strategy, aligning missions across security constructs, use common software, and integrating with services around the globe. This candidate will closely work with business development, business directors, external customers, and external subject matter experts to shape the feasibility of new ground architectures.
This position requires up to 100% on-site work due security constraints and an ability to pass an enhanced security review.
You will be responsible for:
Interface and drive engagement with customers and stakeholders for mission ground systems
Promulgate a clear vision of common grounds and how to use them for disparate missions at multiple security levels
Mentor mission architects and systems engineers in ground design, mission specific software within the ground framework, and enabling SV behavior to achieve the end to end mission
Direct developmental and analytical efforts to reduce risk, mature the system, ensure mission success, and grow the business area.
Support the family of programs with system architecture establishment/evolution and CONOPs development.
Ability to capture core concepts and instructional needs from a large amount of technical data (ground and space hardware) and communicate technical concepts to an audience of non-subject matter experts with varying levels of domain experience
Be self-directed and able to envision the end state of the product and take initiative to drive product development to closure
Educate leads, customers, and engineers on mission capability, analysis, and CONOPS
Perform system-of-system trades, modeling, simulation and analysis to assess space mission architecture alternatives for delivering a customer mission effect, data or capability as it fits within a broader campaign
Support capture activities, including RFI/RFP preparation, customer presentations and demonstrations, and competitor analysis
Brief and lead technical meetings for senior leaders across the space community
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or other STEM related degree with 12+ years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations; 10 years with a Master's; 7 years with a PhD
Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance at time of application current and within scope with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
Understanding of Systems Engineering principles and practices
Experience with developing and presenting briefing slides to senior leaders and executive level personnel
Ground design implementation, architectural design, and knowledge of cyber security frameworks for national security systems
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in mission design, satellite ground software, satellite hardware, and distributed modeling & simulation
Understanding of system of system architecture designs the interplay between various national security customers and products
Prior aerospace-related work experience for a U.S Government Agency or Contractor
Previous experience with flight hardware on operational system
Previous experience with Class C / demonstration programs
This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSysEngJobs
#NoVASpace
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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 Engineering or another STEM-related field and 12+ years of related engineering experience; alternatively, 10 years with a master's degree or 7 years with a PhD.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at application, current and within scope.
- Ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
- Understanding of systems engineering principles and practices.
- Experience developing and presenting briefing slides to senior leaders and executive-level personnel.
- Experience with ground design implementation and architectural design.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks for national security systems.
- Experience in mission design, satellite ground software, satellite hardware, and distributed modeling and simulation.
- Understanding of systems-of-systems architecture and interactions among national security customers and products.
- Prior aerospace-related experience with a U.S. government agency or contractor.
- Previous experience with flight hardware on an operational system.
- Previous experience with Class C or demonstration programs.
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.








