Pr./Sr. Pr. Systems Engineer - Fault Management & System Autonomy (AHT)

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Onsite work

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Dulles, VA, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Level 3 or 4) for an onsite role with a 9/80 work schedule. Clearance is required at start (Top‑Secret/SCI). Salary ranges are provided for both levels, with relocation assistance potentially available.

The role includes leading systems engineering activities, supporting Fault Management and System Autonomy, and contributing to proposals and studies. Travel is not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, or Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ year.
• Active Top-Secret/SCI clearance at time of application.
• Experience in mission-critical/systems engineering for space vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Perform systems engineering functions: requirements synthesis, flow-down, verification/validation planning.
• Support Fault Management and System Autonomy for space systems.
• Lead deliverables within a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
• Assist in system design, concept of operations, and FMEA.
• Design, implement, and validate fault management flight software with simulations and flight hardware.
• Present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Software coding

Scripting

Space systems

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

PhD (optional)

Job description

Overview

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Level 3 or Level 4) to work in Dulles, VA. The position is 100% onsite, with a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off). Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance required at start: Yes (Top‑Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information). Travel: No.

Responsibilities

• Perform traditional Systems Engineering functions such as requirements synthesis and flow‑down, verification/validation planning, system trade‑study support, systems analysis, coordination of design efforts, and management of technical budgets & interface definitions.
• Support Fault Management and System Autonomy (FMSA) for space systems.
• Assume the role of deliverable/product lead within a multi‑disciplinary engineering team.
• Assist in formulation of system design, definition of concept of operations, and systems analysis for failure modes and effects, including identification and mitigation through autonomous or operational controls.
• Design, implement, and validate Fault Management and System Autonomy Flight Software using flight‑like simulations and flight hardware.
• Apply spacecraft subsystem design, spacecraft testing, flight software best practices, and mission operations knowledge.
• Assist in new business activities such as conceptual design and analysis for proposals and funded studies, and author relevant sections.
• Present and communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Basic Qualifications – Level 3

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional experience, or Master’s degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year.
• Active Top‑Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application.
• Experience in Systems Engineering for mission‑critical applications.
• Mission and/or vehicle systems engineering experience.
• Software coding or scripting experience.

Basic Qualifications – Level 4

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience, or Master’s degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years.
• Active Top‑Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application.
• Experience in Systems Engineering for mission‑critical applications.
• Mission and/or vehicle systems engineering experience.
• Software coding or scripting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Failure analysis or fault management technical experience.
• Experience defining requirements & interfaces.
• Understanding of spacecraft integration & test, launch, and mission operations.
• Experience developing verification documentation.
• Experience with architecture development.
• Experience with spacecraft mission operations.
• Familiarity with electrical & computer systems.
• Familiarity with command and telemetry databases.

Salary and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 – $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Decisions are not based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For a complete EEO and pay transparency statement, visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

Citizenship

U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.