Space Principal/ Sr. Principal Launch and Operations Systems Engineer*

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal/Senior Principal Systems Engineer in the Space Systems area. The role supports the Mission and Payload Programs, working to develop and sustain optimized product lines with a focus on space operations, testing and system integration in the Rolling Meadows, IL region.

Active DoD TS/SCI clearance is required. The position offers opportunities to define CONOPS, translate them into detailed procedures, and contribute to the design and improvement of mission

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree with applicable years of experience.
• Experience with space/ground system integration and test operations.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI access eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine mission execution in partnership with lead and team.
• Develop CONOPS and refine mission employment approaches.
• Translate CONOPS into procedures, checklists and playbooks.
• Design, test and improve tools and processes for mission ops.
• Plan and execute operational rehearsals, simulations and demos.
• Document system operations, hardware configurations and software behaviors.
• Collaborate across teams; travel up to 50%, up to 2 weeks at a time.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

PERL

Analytical data tools

Space systems

Scripting

Automation

Education

Electrical Engineering (BS)

Aerospace Engineering (BS)

Physics (BS)

Tools

Python

Shell scripting

Dashboards

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Mission and Payload Programs organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.

Come be a part of our mission! Candidates may be hired as a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) or a Senior Principal Systems Engineer (level 4) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.

What you’ll get to do:

• Help define and refine how a unique mission set is executed in partnership with the lead and broader team.
• Develop concepts of operations (CONOPS) and contribute to the refinement of complex mission employment approaches.
• Translate CONOPS into detailed procedures, checklists, and playbooks for day‑to‑day operations.
• Contribute to the design, testing, and improvement of tools, products, and processes that enable successful mission operations.
• Participate in planning and execution of operational rehearsals, simulations, and mission demonstrations.
• Support a culture of knowledge sharing by creating and maintaining documentation of system operations, hardware configurations, and software behaviors.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to ethics and integrity while proposing innovative ideas and improvements to existing practices.
• Work as an effective member of a high‑performing team, being self‑motivated and able to execute under general direction while independently developing approaches to assigned tasks.
• Support travel up to 50%, no more than 2 weeks at a time.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications: Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience: MS + 3 years of exp; PhD + 0 years of experience Senior Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 8 years of experience; MS + 6 years of experience; PhD + 3 years of experience BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related technical degree. Proficiency in analytical data tools and programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or PERL Experience with space/ground system integration, test, or operations Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in leading integration of ground software to spacecraft operations end users Ability to script operational products and automate routine tasks (e.g., using Python, shell scripting, or similar tools). Experience developing simple tools, dashboards, or utilities to support mission planning, execution, or data analysis. Demonstrated ability to clearly document procedures and system behaviors for use by operators and cross‑functional teams. Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. Willingness to support on-console activation and associated shift work, including nights, weekends, or non-standard hours as mission needs dictate.

Salary:

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.