Engineering Tech Support - Level 1

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Dulles, VA seeks an Engineering Tech Support - Level 1 to perform RF component assembly and I&T tasks for spacecraft. This 100% onsite role emphasizes accuracy, safety, and quality in a fast-paced environment.

You will read engineering drawings, route cables, and support integration of RF hardware. Must be able to work 2nd/3rd shifts, travel up to 25%, and pursue DoD clearance requirements as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top-Secret clearance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive motions.
• Willingness to work 2nd or 3rd shift, weekends, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Interpret RF schematics and system block diagrams from work instructions.
• Assemble electromechanical and RF cabling/waveguide assemblies.
• Support integration of spaceflight RF hardware with attention to detail and safety.
• Adhere to ISO processes, cleanroom protocols, and RF handling guidelines.
• Communicate status with shop leads and management; escalate issues.
• Collaborate with RF engineers and leads as part of a diverse team.
• Be flexible for off-shift work and up to travel for launches.

Skills

RF & electronics familiarity

Teamwork & communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description

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’s Space Sector is seeking an Engineering Tech Support - Level 1 to join our team in Dulles, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The Engineering Tech Support will provide technical support for Integration and Test (I&T) of spacecraft RF (Radio Frequency) components, performing tasks such as routing and installing coaxial cables, semi-rigid cables, waveguides, and RF components, as well as using mechanical fasteners, operating cranes, vertical lifts and ladders to perform duties. The role involves reading and interpreting work instructions, RF schematics, system block diagrams, and engineering drawings, and executing work with a focus on accuracy, completeness, and hardware quality while strictly following company procedures. The successful candidate will deliver timely status updates and flag technical issues to shop leads and Work Center management, ensuring any potential impacts to quality or schedule are addressed promptly. This position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and adherence to rigorous quality and safety protocols, and the ability to operate as a strong team-oriented individual who is driven to achieve product quality and customer satisfaction.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

• Interpret detailed work instructions, RF schematics, system block diagrams, and complex engineering documentation.
• Assemble electromechanical, electronic components, and spacecraft RF cabling/waveguide assemblies.
• Support the integration of critical spaceflight RF hardware (attenuators, couplers, filters, antennas) with a high level of attention to detail, safety, and quality.
• Adhere 100% to established ISO processes, cleanroom protocols, RF component handling guidelines (e.g., minimum bend radius, waveguide flange protection), and operational procedures.
• Demonstrate general technical knowledge in mechanical/RF assemblies, use of precision torque tools, as well as basic electrical/RF measuring devices.
• Interact daily with work center management, RF engineers, and mechanical/electrical leads to communicate work status and resolve technical issues.
• Work effectively within a diverse team, accept constructive feedback from Safety and Quality personnel.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, adaptability, precision, and a proactive mindset with a commitment to mission success.
• Maintain flexibility to support off-shift work, weekends, overtime, and up to 25% domestic travel for launch campaign support.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent and 0 years additional education and/or related experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Ability to lift and position objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion tasks such as standing, bending, squatting ,leaning, working with tool tethers.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts, including 2nd and 3rd shift schedules, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active or current DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI or SAP/SAR access.
• Basic knowledge of electronics (voltage, resistance) and an idea of RF components (coaxial cables, connectors, antennas) and basic RF test/measurement concepts.
• Understanding of clean room operations and spacecraft handling protocols.
• Familiarity with RF/microwave/millimeter-wave components and handling protocols.
• Experience or familiarity with RF test equipment such as Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, and power meters.
• NASA-STD-8739.4 or IPC/WHMA-A-620 with Space Addendum.
• Flight hardware integration and spacecraft processing experience.
• Aerospace/Satellite Integration & RF harness/waveguide installations.