Staff Ground Software Engineer: Mission Planning & Astrodynamics

Northrop Grumman; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in McLean, VA is seeking a Staff-level Ground Software Engineer (T5) to lead design and development of mission planning and satellite operations software within our ground segment.

The role focuses on orbit analysis, maneuver planning, and conjunction assessment, with opportunities to integrate COTS astrodynamics tools and custom developments. Onsite in a secure environment; TS clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 12+ years of relevant software/mission experience.
• Advanced degree holders (MS/PhD) and 10+ years of experience considered.
• Strong background in Python and multi-language software development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain ground software for mission planning and satellite operations.
• Implement full software lifecycle from requirements to deployment in operational environments.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, mission operations, and other ground teams.
• Develop automation, pipelines, and Python-based workflows to support analysis.
• Produce technical documentation and customer briefings for mission planning solutions.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Linux

Bash

Docker

CI/CD

Git/Jira

Agile

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

FreeFlyer

STK

Job description

Northrop Grumman in McLean, VA is seeking a Staff-level Ground Software Engineer (T5) to lead design and development of mission planning and satellite operations software within our ground segment.

The role focuses on orbit analysis, maneuver planning, and conjunction assessment, with opportunities to integrate COTS astrodynamics tools and custom developments. Onsite in a secure environment; TS clearance preferred.