Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer
to join our team in Schriever SFB, CO.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Payload System Engineer (PLSE) familiar with Protected Satellite Communication mission requirements to support the Protected Satcom Orbital Operations Program for mission operations at Schriever SFB, CO. The selected candidate will work with the existing team of Technical Advisors (TAs) to support operational needs of the constellation of Milstar and Advanced EHF (AEHF) payloads, the worldwide communication network they form and the interfacing ground and spacecraft that make up the full communication system. The SSFB payload TAs, along with the NG factory, form an integrated team providing quick and effective responses to Payload-related O&M issues, minimizing communication system downtime. The SSFB TAs perform the front-line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinating issues with the factory for additional analysis and investigation support. In addition, the TAs perform various routine planning, operations and maintenance tasks.
The PLSE is primarily responsible for on-site technical support for AEHF/Milstar Payload and communication network operations related issues. Due to the central nature of the NG payloads to the system, the PLSE actively participates in the technical direction, analysis and coordination for spacecraft, payload, and ground system in Protected Satcom flight operations. This involves serving as point of contact for factory payload experts requesting data and information; developing anomaly resolution procedures; acting as test conductor during special payload specific activities; supporting anomaly identification and resolution from initial anomaly response, through root-cause investigations and corrective actions for any anomalies associated with the payload.
Because the system is a worldwide communication system of critical importance to the nation’s defense, the payload TAs participate in planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts while planning major constellation activities including payload software uploads, comm resource reallocation, resiliency efforts, and constellation reconfigurations. This position is primarily for day staff, although occasional off-nominal work hours are expected and 24/7 recall responsibilities are shared across the TA staff.
This position is 100% on-site with no teleworking capability.
Basic Qualifications:
- Principal Level: 5 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Years with PhD
- Sr Principal Level: 8 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
- Payload operations experience that includes familiarity with communication satellite payload systems.
- Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application
- Strong problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to project plan and execute.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable producing technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
- Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations.
- Some travel may be required to support test events and customer engagements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of mission execution.
- Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, Java, C/ C++.
- Demonstrated experience briefing technical data to the Customer
- Demonstrated experience responding to off-hours recalls and anomalies
- Willingness to work nights/weekends for surge support
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
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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
- Principal level: 5 years of experience with a bachelor's degree in a STEM science field, 3 years with a master's degree, or 1 year with a PhD
- Senior Principal level: 8 years of experience with a bachelor's degree in a STEM science field, 6 years with a master's degree, or 4 years with a PhD
- Payload operations experience with familiarity with communication satellite payload systems
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to plan and execute projects
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings
- Ability to make decisions under pressure and maintain composure in stressful environments
- Ability to travel as needed for test events and customer engagements
- Ability to interface with multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency with one or more of MATLAB, Python, Java, C, or C++
- Experience briefing technical data to customers
- Experience responding to off-hours recalls and anomalies
- Willingness to work nights and weekends for surge support
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.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
-
Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.









