Senior Principal Space Systems Interface Engineer

ngc; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, CA, seeks a Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Level 4 to lead external interface definition, integration, and verification across space architectures. You will own the technical baseline between payloads, spacecraft buses, and ground segments, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure interoperability and program compliance.

Role requires strong experience with ICDs/IRDs, DOORS, and model-based systems engineering, plus proven communication with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8+ years of engineering experience or higher education equivalents as described.
• Experience developing and managing external interfaces and interface documentation (ICDs, IRDs, and specs).
• Experience on space systems programs (spacecraft, payloads, ground segment, or mission operations).
• Familiarity with interface standards and industry best practices for space and ground systems.
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and model-based or structured systems engineering practices.
• 8+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Strong written and oral communication of requirements, tests, and evaluation criteria.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical definition and control of external interfaces for assigned subsystems and segments.
• Develop, maintain, and baseline Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Interface Requirement Specifications, and related artifacts.
• Decompose system-level requirements into interface requirements and allocate them to subsystems.
• Lead and participate in interface reviews and technical meetings with stakeholders.
• Maintain Interfaces in DOORS Database and drive documentation into Digital Transformation.
• Coordinate interface definitions across mechanical, electrical, data, RF, and software domains.
• Perform interface compatibility assessments, margin analyses, and design trades.
• Support integration and test planning for interface verification and test configurations.

Skills

Systems engineering

External interfaces

Interface standards

Technical communication

Space systems

Requirements management

Model-based systems engineering

Documentation control

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8+ years experience

Master's degree in STEM with 6+ years experience

PhD in STEM with 4+ years experience

Tools

DOORS

SysML/UML

Job description

Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, CA, seeks a Sr Principal Systems Engineer – Level 4 to lead external interface definition, integration, and verification across space architectures. You will own the technical baseline between payloads, spacecraft buses, and ground segments, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure interoperability and program compliance.

Role requires strong experience with ICDs/IRDs, DOORS, and model-based systems engineering, plus proven communication with