Space Principal/ Sr. Principal Launch and Operations Systems Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Rolling Meadows, IL, seeks a Principal or Senior Principal Systems Engineer to lead rapid integration of complex ground software for spacecraft operations. The role includes developing procedures, training operators, and leading activation procedures, with up to 20% travel.

Qualifications include BS or MS in engineering or physics and hands-on Python/MATLAB experience; a DoD Top Secret clearance is required or must be obtainable.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python and MATLAB.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead rapid integration of complex ground software for spacecraft operations.
• Develop procedures and scripts for ground software, data inputs, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop.
• Train ground operators and oversee activation procedures.
• Engage with customers and brief technical results clearly.
• Travel up to 20%.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Education

BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical Eng or related

MS in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical Eng or related

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

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, but they're also 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.

Your roles and responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Lead rapid integration of complex ground software to prepare for delivery to Spacecraft Operations end user
• Perform rapid development of procedures and scripts to use the ground software, data inputs, simulators, and hardware in the loop
• Train ground operators
• Lead development and SIL checkout of activation procedures
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills, experience with end user engagement, and comfort briefing technical results to customers.
• Travel up to 20%

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
• 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

• Demonstrated history of strong organization and coordination skills (working with cross‑functional teams).
• Experience in leading integration of ground software to spacecraft operations end users
• Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers

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.