Senior Spacecraft Chief Engineer & Systems Lead

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems

United States

On-site

USD 180,000 - 260,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the spacecraft and mission engineering team, acting as the primary technical advisor to the program manager. You will coordinate across spacecraft, payload, GNC, software, and ground segments to resolve risks and ensure mission success.

Responsibilities include integrating complex payloads, guiding test and launch activities, and presenting at major reviews.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM and 12+ years of applicable experience; Master’s or PhD may adjust years required.
Active Top Secret clearance at time of application.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or complex technical efforts.
Strong communication with technical teams, program leadership, customers, or mission partners.

Responsibilities

Lead spacecraft and mission engineering teams and serve as primary technical advisor to the program manager.
Coordinate engineering activities across spacecraft, payload, GNC, software, comms, ground, and mission operations.
Identify and resolve technical issues and risks affecting capability, cost, or schedule.
Support spacecraft integration, test, launch prep, commissioning, and on-orbit execution.
Develop and present engineering content at major technical reviews and program milestones.
Coordinate responses to cross-segment issues and brief senior leadership on major decisions.
Ensure adherence to engineering processes per company policies and standards.
Manage integration of complex payloads and mentor junior staff.