Systems Engineer - Level 3 (AHT)

Posted 2 Months Ago
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Redondo Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
114K-171K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Develops advanced space and mission payload systems through architecture trade studies, requirements management, interface definition, performance modeling, and system design analysis. The role supports optical, RF, directed-energy, digital hardware, and communications systems across the full product lifecycle, including hardware development, manufacturing oversight, integration, testing, subcontractor management, and technology development initiatives. An active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain SCI are required.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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 is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 3 to join our team in Redondo Beach, California. This role is also known as a Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer.

This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.

Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:

  • Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives.

  • Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications.

  • Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.

  • Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation.

  • Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration.

  • Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.

By joining this team, you’ll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation.

This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, 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. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system

  • Electro-Optics

  • Sensor design

  • Remote sensing

  • High energy laser systems

  • Lasercom systems

  • Spacecraft system design

  • Image processing

  • RF and digital hardware design

  • Signal detection and estimation

  • Control Systems

  • Structures/Dynamics

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 3+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM discipline

  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems

  • Must have active US Government Top Secret Security clearance AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application. ​

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science

  • Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy

  • Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems,  remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP

  • Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications

  • Active US Government TS with SCI clearance at time of application.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program. As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

-401k

-Educational Assistance

-Life Insurance

-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

-Paid Time Off

-Health & Wellness Resources

-Employee Discounts

-Flexible Schedules:  For example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.

-For more details, please view Northrop Grumman Benefits.

#LosAngelesSpace

#LI-DB1

#SpaceEngJobs

#SpaceSysEngJobs

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 or more years of engineering experience
  • Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 or more years of engineering experience
  • PhD in a STEM discipline
  • Strong leadership qualities and strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience designing, integrating, testing, and operating optical and/or RF systems
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance
  • Ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at the time of application
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
  • Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness, communications, or directed energy
  • Relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, laser communications, or digital signal processing
  • Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high-energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret with SCI clearance at the time of application

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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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