Senior Space Systems Engineer — Top Secret

ngc; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join the Space Superiority Division, contributing across the full lifecycle of ambitious spacecraft and mission systems.

The role emphasizes architecture, CONOPS, mission analyses, and mission operations; requires TS/SC clearance and on-site work. You will collaborate across disciplines to develop integrated spacecraft solutions and support mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8+ years of applicable experience, or a Master’s Degree with 6 years, or a PhD with 4 years of applicable experience.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience supporting design, development, integration, test, or operation of spacecraft or space missions.
• Experience performing systems-engineering functions such as requirements development, interface control, architecture, trade studies, or verification/validation.
• Experience collaborating across engineering disciplines to deliver integrated spacecraft or mission solutions.
• Experience developing technical documentation and communicating complex engineering information to technical teams, program leadership, customers, or mission partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop spacecraft and mission architectures, CONOPS, design reference missions, and operational scenarios.
• Perform mission-level analyses and technical trade studies.
• Develop mission sequences for launch, commissioning, on-orbit operations, RPO, and contingency scenarios.
• Collaborate across spacecraft, payload, GNC, software, communications, ground, and mission-operations teams for integrated solutions.
• Work with partners to model and mature mission elements, interfaces, and execution plans.
• Support development/modification of spacecraft to enable accelerated path from concept to launch and operations.
• Develop and use tools to evaluate concepts, scenarios, design alternatives, and performance.
• Develop and manage mission, system, and subsystem requirements with traceability and verification.
• Define and manage interfaces among spacecraft, payloads, host vehicles, RPO sensors, and ground systems.
• Support spacecraft integration, test, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit execution.
• Support major program milestones and technical reviews with clear assessments for stakeholders.
• Contribute to mission-engineering products, artifacts, and technical reports.

Skills

Spacecraft engineering

System engineering

Requirements management

Mission analysis

MBSE

Python

MATLAB

STK

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Systems Tool Kit (STK)

MBSE tools

Python tooling

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join the Space Superiority Division, contributing across the full lifecycle of ambitious spacecraft and mission systems.

The role emphasizes architecture, CONOPS, mission analyses, and mission operations; requires TS/SC clearance and on-site work. You will collaborate across disciplines to develop integrated spacecraft solutions and support mission readiness.