Northrop Grumman Space Systems seeks a Systems Engineer Level 3 or 4 to join our team in Gilbert, Arizona.
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 at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
As a Systems Engineer- Level 3/4 in the LSI (Launch Services Integration) role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end integration of Northrop Grumman space vehicles onto the selected launch vehicle, coordination of launch base processing, and execution of launch and ascent operations. You will serve as a primary technical interface between Northrop Grumman and key launch campaign stakeholders, including the Launch Vehicle Contractor (LVC), launch range, launch base processing facilities, data and communications providers, day‑of‑launch tracking organizations, and other mission participants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead space vehicle integration with various Launch Service providers
- Plan and execute all aspects of the launch lifecycle, from early integration studies through transport, SV checkout, fueling, rehearsals, launch operations, and day-of-launch activities.
- Plan and manage launch site operations and logistics in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare, review, and secure acceptance of launch range safety documentation in accordance with SSCMAN 91-710.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate spacecraft hazards using the processes described in MIL-STD-882.
- Coordinate range operations, including preparation and delivery of required range products for the space vehicle (e.g., OR/OD deliverables).
- Plan and execute trailblazers/pathfinders, interface simulators, separation system fit checks and match-mates.
- Lead and/or participate in mission working groups, including mission integration, ground operations, flight operations, and day‑of‑launch forums.
- Provide technical support for mission program reviews, integrated schedule development and management, rehearsal planning and execution, and daily status reporting during launch campaigns.
- Develop space vehicle–to–launch vehicle interface definition and requirements documentation, including Interface Requirements Documents (IRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and launch base requirements and procedures.
- Prepare and deliver documentation in support of major Launch Readiness Reviews, and coordinate execution of associated closure actions.
Basic Qualifications: Systems Engineer 3
- Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 3 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with 1 year of experience.
- Experience in space systems, launch vehicles, payloads, or ground systems or other relevant experience.
- Familiarity with launch or range operations, mission integration, or space vehicle integration processing.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance and ability to obtain SCI clearance.
Basic Qualifications: Systems Engineer 4
- Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 6 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with 4 years of experience.
- Experience in space systems, launch vehicles, payloads, or ground systems or other relevant experience.
- Familiarity with launch or range operations, mission integration, or space vehicle integration processing.
- Experience leading technical efforts or integration activities
- Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and/or customers.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance and ability to obtain SCI Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with other government agencies and mission partners
- Experience with launch campaign execution, including launch base processing, rehearsals, and day‑of‑launch operations.
- Experience working with U.S. launch ranges and associated processes, including range safety documentation compliant with SSCMAN 91‑710.
- Experience interacting with Launch Service Providers and Launch Vehicle Contractors.
- Knowledge of systems engineering processes and experience with DOORS or other requirements management tools.
- Active US Government Top Secret and SCI Security Clearance.
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
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.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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 discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year for Systems Engineer 3
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years for Systems Engineer 4
- Experience in space systems, launch vehicles, payloads, ground systems, or relevant engineering areas
- Familiarity with launch or range operations, mission integration, or space vehicle integration processing
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance and ability to obtain SCI clearance
- Experience leading technical efforts or integration activities for Systems Engineer 4
- Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, including presenting to senior leadership or customers for Systems Engineer 4
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with government agencies and mission partners
- Experience with launch campaign execution, launch base processing, rehearsals, and day-of-launch operations
- Experience with U.S. launch ranges and range safety documentation compliant with SSCMAN 91-710
- Experience interacting with Launch Service Providers and Launch Vehicle Contractors
- Knowledge of systems engineering processes and experience with DOORS or other requirements management tools
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret and SCI security clearance
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.





