Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 6, 2026 · 21d ago
United States-Colorado-Schriever AFB
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer
to join our team in Schriever SFB, CO.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Payload System Engineer (PLSE) familiar with Protected Satellite Communication mission requirements to support the Protected Satcom Orbital Operations Program for mission operations at Schriever SFB, CO. The selected candidate will work with the existing team of Technical Advisors (TAs) to support operational needs of the constellation of Milstar and Advanced EHF (AEHF) payloads, the worldwide communication network they form and the interfacing ground and spacecraft that make up the full communication system. The SSFB payload TAs, along with the NG factory, form an integrated team providing quick and effective responses to Payload-related O&M issues, minimizing communication system downtime. The SSFB TAs perform the front-line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinating issues with the factory for additional analysis and investigation support. In addition, the TAs perform various routine planning, operations and maintenance tasks.
The PLSE is primarily responsible for on-site technical support for AEHF/Milstar Payload and communication network operations related issues. Due to the central nature of the NG payloads to the system, the PLSE actively participates in the technical direction, analysis and coordination for spacecraft, payload, and ground system in Protected Satcom flight operations. This involves serving as point of contact for factory payload experts requesting data and information; developing anomaly resolution procedures; acting as test conductor during special payload specific activities; supporting anomaly identification and resolution from initial anomaly response, through root-cause investigations and corrective actions for any anomalies associated with the payload.
Because the system is a worldwide communication system of critical importance to the nation’s defense, the payload TAs participate in planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts while planning major constellation activities including payload software uploads, comm resource reallocation, resiliency efforts, and constellation reconfigurations. This position is primarily for day staff, although occasional off-nominal work hours are expected and 24/7 recall responsibilities are shared across the TA staff.
This position is 100% on-site with no teleworking capability.
Basic Qualifications:
• Principal Level: 5 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Years with PhD
• Sr Principal Level: 8 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
• Payload operations experience that includes familiarity with communication satellite payload systems.
• Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application
• Strong problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to project plan and execute.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable producing technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Some travel may be required to support test events and customer engagements.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of mission execution.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, Java, C/ C++.
• Demonstrated experience briefing technical data to the Customer
• Demonstrated experience responding to off-hours recalls and anomalies
• Willingness to work nights/weekends for surge support
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
northropgrumman.com
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
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Pto
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