Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer - TS Clearance

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia, seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to apply SE principles across the full mission lifecycle, from concept through on‑orbit execution. You will contribute to spacecraft and mission systems for space security with a focus on RPO capabilities.

Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration is required. Relocation may be available; this is an on-site role that requires Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 8+ years of applicable experience, or a Master’s degree and 6+ years, or a PhD and 4+ years.
• Experience applying systems engineering to design, development, integration, test, or operation of complex aerospace/defense systems.
• Experience collaborating across engineering disciplines to resolve issues and develop integrated solutions.
• Experience with core SE functions: requirements, interfaces, system architecture, mission analysis, verification & validation.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Support major program milestones and readiness reviews by creating technical content for stakeholders.
• Author and contribute to program data products and SE artifacts.
• Collaborate with mission partners to mature the system for successful mission execution.
• Support development or modification of spacecraft to accelerate concept-to-launch timelines.
• Develop understanding of spacecraft operations and reference missions, especially RPO missions.
• Develop modeling tools to evaluate mission concepts and spacecraft performance.
• Manage requirements and maintain traceability across lifecycle.
• Manage internal and external interfaces, including payloads and sensors.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Technical analysis

MBSE

RPO knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia, seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to apply SE principles across the full mission lifecycle, from concept through on‑orbit execution. You will contribute to spacecraft and mission systems for space security with a focus on RPO capabilities.

Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration is required. Relocation may be available; this is an on-site role that requires Top Secret clearance.