Sr. Principal Hardware Engineer – Hardware Integration Lead – SATCOM Ground - R10193809

Northrop Grumman; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 124,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defense and space manufacturing is seeking a Sr. Principal Hardware Engineer to lead hardware integration for SATCOM ground systems. The role requires strong Linux skills, IT infrastructure experience, and a Top Secret clearance. The position is full-time and requires onsite presence in Aurora, IL. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Health insurance

Life/disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Active U.S. DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware integration tasks for SATCOM ground systems.
• Install and configure SATCOM and IT infrastructure hardware.
• Collaborate with software teams on monitoring interfaces.

Skills

Linux

IT processing systems

Data architecture

Supplier management

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Ph.D.

Security+ certification

Tools

VMWare

COTS software

Job description

Sr. Principal Hardware Engineer – Hardware Integration Lead – SATCOM Ground - R10193809

Join to apply for the Sr. Principal Hardware Engineer – Hardware Integration Lead – SATCOM Ground - R10193809 role at Northrop Grumman

Role Overview

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Sr. Principal Hardware Engineer – Hardware Integration Lead to support our Payload and Ground Systems Division Engineering organization, supporting the Integrated National Systems (INS) Business Unit (BU) in Aurora, CO. This position involves leading hardware integration tasks for SATCOM ground systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, implement configurations, and integrate software-defined radio (SDR) applications in SATCOM ground systems.
• Install and integrate SATCOM front end processor (FEP) systems.
• Configure and integrate SATCOM components, including analog-to-digital (A/D) and DAC conversion within RF signal paths.
• Install and configure precision timing receivers and distribution systems.
• Install, cable, and configure SATCOM and IT infrastructure hardware such as network switches, servers, RF switches, and fiber optic systems.
• Provide Linux-based support for mission applications.
• Design and implement automated processes to improve operations.
• Manage VMs with VMWare, including Linux and Windows OS installations.
• Manage user accounts and privileges via active directory or LDAP.
• Interface with health, status, and monitoring tools.
• Collaborate with software teams on control and monitoring interfaces for SATCOM equipment.
• Contribute to system documentation and procedures.

This role requires onsite presence; remote or hybrid work is not supported.

Basic Qualifications

• Active U.S. DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 8+ years of relevant experience, or 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 with a Ph.D., or 12+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong understanding of IT processing systems and data architecture.
• Experience with data center IT infrastructure and SATCOM hardware.
• Experience with SATCOM MODEMs and FEP systems.
• Experience executing SATCOM ground system tests.
• Linux system administration experience.
• Experience with COTS software deployment.
• Security+ certification or ability to obtain within one year.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SATCOM ground system design.
• Knowledge of RF amplification, RF power monitoring, and RF frequency conversion.
• Understanding of digital modulation in SATCOM.
• Experience with TCP/IP networking and RF over Fiber systems.
• Supplier management and troubleshooting skills.

Additional Details

Salary Range: $124,900 - $187,300. Benefits include health insurance, life/disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays, and PTO. The application window is approximately 20 days from posting.

Other Information

• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Job Function: Engineering and IT
• Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. Citizenship required for positions requiring security clearance.