Senior Space Systems Engineer – Mission Design & RPO

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia seeks an experienced Space Systems Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and operation of state-of-the-art spacecraft for space security missions.

You will work across mission lifecycle stages, from concept through on-orbit operations, collaborating with payload, GNC, software, and ground teams to deliver integrated space solutions. A TS clearance is required at start and relocation may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 6+ years, or PhD with 4+ years.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience supporting design, development, integration, test, or operation of spacecraft or space missions.

Responsibilities

• Developing spacecraft and mission architectures, CONOPS, design reference missions, and operational scenarios.
• Performing mission-level analyses and technical trade studies.
• Defining interfaces and managing requirements across spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems.
• Leading mission-readiness activities and contributing to technical briefings for stakeholders.

Skills

Spacecraft engineering

Systems engineering

Requirements development

Interface definition

Technical trade studies

Mission analysis

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

Python

MATLAB

STK

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia seeks an experienced Space Systems Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and operation of state-of-the-art spacecraft for space security missions.

You will work across mission lifecycle stages, from concept through on-orbit operations, collaborating with payload, GNC, software, and ground teams to deliver integrated space solutions. A TS clearance is required at start and relocation may be available.