Systems Engineer - Level 4

Posted Yesterday
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Gilbert, AZ, USA
In-Office
123K-184K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Leads technical execution for mission-specific spacecraft throughout the program lifecycle, from architecture and requirements through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations. Coordinates cross-disciplinary teams and interfaces with customers, engineering leadership, mission assurance, payload, and launch vehicle teams. Leads milestone reviews, engineering boards, risk management, verification strategies, and technical deliverables while mentoring junior engineers and driving process improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

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 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.

Senior Principal Spacecraft Vehicle Engineers will function as the technical lead for their mission specific spacecraft, reporting up to the Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, and Mission Program Manager. They lead a cross-disciplinary team and are responsible for technical execution throughout the entire program lifecycle culminating in the on-orbit delivery of a fully mission capable spacecraft to our customers! Come join our team and help us keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Lead program technical execution in accordance with Northrop Grumman Systems Engineering processes and best practices  

  • Be self-directed while leveraging your technical and leadership skills to bring Platform, Payload, and Launch Vehicle Interfaces together to produce a spacecraft meeting contractual and mission requirements  

  • Function as the primary technical interface for customers, program management, product line engineering leadership, mission assurance, subsystem engineering, payload engineering, and launch vehicle integration teams  

  • Perform technical planning and analyses at all levels of total system product to include concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal 

  • Recognize and mitigate space-segment technical issues and risks  

  • Lead the team through major program milestone and readiness reviews 

  • Preside over mission specific engineering review boards, change control boards, and risk management reviews 

  • Drive the planning, design, and execution of testing strategies to exercise spacecraft functionality, measure performance, and verify survivability in the extreme launch and space environments (Dynamics, TVAC, and EMI/EMC) 

  • Directly support the Launch and On-orbit operations campaign for your designated mission at the launch site and Mission Operations Center 

  • Author and provide input to major program data products and other deliverables 

  • Support other activities, including architecture studies, mission support, and other traditional Systems Engineering functions 

  • Aid process improvement initiatives, and incorporate lessons learned to continue to strengthen the product

  • Lead by example and be willing to mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise junior staff 

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with 8+ years of relevant experience OR

    Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with 6+ years of relevant experience OR

    PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with 4+ years of relevant experience

  • Have a strong background in systems engineering to include architectural studies, technical baseline definition, requirements & interface management and documentation, hardware/software integration, test planning & execution, or operational support 

  • Experience in spacecraft/space system integration & test, launch, and/or mission operations

  • Strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills (upward and downward) 

  • Prior experience in technical or project leadership positions 

  • Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application and prior to start date. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to the candidate’s maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Active U.S. Government Top-Secret clearance with current or active SCI/SSBI 

  • Recognized systems engineering subject matter expert (SME) 

  • Experience in system architecture, CONOPs development, or model-based system engineering 

  • Experience with various technical tools such as MATLAB, STK, CORE, DOORS, or CAMEO

  • Experience in any of the following areas is also desired: orbital mechanics, orbital debris modeling, spacecraft attitude control, power systems and modeling, avionics or digital electronics design, risk analysis, optics, communications, rocket propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing 

  • Experience with Mission Operations for spacecraft 

  • Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI, Space Environments (Radiation, Surface Charging, etc.), and Human Factors is also desired. 

  • Experience and/or training in Earned Value Management Systems 

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: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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's degree in STEM and 8 or more years of relevant experience
  • Master's degree in STEM and 6 or more years of relevant experience
  • PhD in STEM and 4 or more years of relevant experience
  • Strong systems engineering background, including architecture, technical baselines, requirements and interface management, integration, testing, or operations
  • Experience in spacecraft or space system integration and testing, launch, or mission operations
  • Strong leadership, verbal communication, and written communication skills
  • Prior technical or project leadership experience
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at application and start
  • Current or active SCI/SSBI associated with Top Secret clearance
  • Recognized systems engineering subject matter expertise
  • Experience with system architecture, CONOPs development, or model-based systems engineering
  • Experience with MATLAB, STK, CORE, DOORS, or CAMEO
  • Experience in orbital mechanics, orbital debris modeling, spacecraft attitude control, power systems, avionics, digital electronics, risk analysis, optics, communications, propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing
  • Spacecraft mission operations experience
  • Knowledge of launch vehicles, system safety, reliability, contamination control, EMI, space environments, or human factors
  • Experience or training in Earned Value Management Systems

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.

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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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