Systems Engineer - Level 3 or 4

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 98,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Gilbert, AZ seeks a Systems Engineer Level 3/4 to lead end-to-end space vehicle integration with launch providers. The role requires coordinating launch base processing, ensuring safety documentation, and supporting mission reviews throughout the launch campaign.

The position requires an active US Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility), space systems experience, and a strong ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
• Experience with space systems, launch vehicles, and ground systems
• Familiarity with launch or range operations and mission integration

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end integration of space vehicles onto launch vehicles
• Coordinate launch base processing and day-of-launch activities
• Prepare and secure launch-range safety documentation
• Plan and manage launch site operations and logistics
• Provide technical support for program reviews and status reporting

Skills

Systems engineering

Space systems

Launch operations

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

DOORS

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems seeks a Systems Engineer Level 3 or 4 to join our team in Gilbert, Arizona. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

As a Systems Engineer- Level 3/4 in the LSI (Launch Services Integration) role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end integration of Northrop Grumman space vehicles onto the selected launch vehicle, coordination of launch base processing, and execution of launch and ascent operations. You will serve as a primary technical interface between Northrop Grumman and key launch campaign stakeholders, including the Launch Vehicle Contractor (LVC), launch range, launch base processing facilities, data and communications providers, day‑of‑launch tracking organizations, and other mission participants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead space vehicle integration with various Launch Service providers
• Plan and execute all aspects of the launch lifecycle, from early integration studies through transport, SV checkout, fueling, rehearsals, launch operations, and day‑of‑launch activities.
• Plan and manage launch site operations and logistics in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare, review, and secure acceptance of launch range safety documentation in accordance with SSCMAN 91-710.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate spacecraft hazards using the processes described in MIL-STD-882.
• Coordinate range operations, including preparation and delivery of required range products for the space vehicle (e.g., OR/OD deliverables).
• Plan and execute trailblazers/pathfinders, interface simulators, separation system fit checks and match-mates
• Lead and/or participate in mission working groups, including mission integration, ground operations, flight operations, and day‑of‑launch forums.
• Provide technical support for mission program reviews, integrated schedule development and management, rehearsal planning and execution, and daily status reporting during launch campaigns.
• Develop space vehicle–to–launch vehicle interface definition and requirements documentation, including Interface Requirements Documents (IRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and launch base requirements and procedures.
• Prepare and deliver documentation in support of major Launch Readiness Reviews, and coordinate execution of associated closure actions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Systems Engineer 3 Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 3 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with 1 year of experience.
• Experience in space systems, launch vehicles, payloads, or ground systems or other relevant experience.
• Familiarity with launch or range operations, mission integration, or space vehicle integration processing.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance and ability to obtain SCI clearance.

Basic Qualifications:

• Systems Engineer 4 Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 6 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with 4 years of experience.
• Experience in space systems, launch vehicles, payloads, or ground systems or other relevant experience.
• Familiarity with launch or range operations, mission integration, or space vehicle integration processing.
• Experience leading technical efforts or integration activities
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and/or customers.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance and ability to obtain SCI Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with other government agencies and mission partners
• Experience with launch campaign execution, including launch base processing, rehearsals, and day‑of‑launch operations.
• Experience working with U.S. launch ranges and associated processes, including range safety documentation compliant with SSCMAN 91‑710.
• Experience interacting with Launch Service Providers and Launch Vehicle Contractors.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes and experience with DOORS or other requirements management tools.
• Active US Government Top Secret and SCI Security Clearance.

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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.