Principal Systems Engineer – Space Superiority Missions
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 6, 2026 · 21d ago
United States-Virginia-Dulles
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
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 Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia, is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join the rapidly growing Space Superiority Division. Space is no longer a sanctuary— it is increasingly contested and operationally complex, and the need for resilient, responsive spacecraft and mission capabilities has never been greater. This is a chance to work on some of the most consequential technical challenges in the space domain and to see your work fly.
You’ll join a cross-disciplinary team that develops, integrates, tests, and delivers advanced spacecraft and mission systems for space security missions, while building expertise in and contributing to Northrop Grumman’s rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) capabilities. RPO is routine work for this team, backed by hands-on operational experience and a proven on-orbit track record. Northrop Grumman leads the industry in this capability, and joining this team means working alongside the people who helped make that true. As a Systems Engineer, you'll apply systems engineering principles across the full mission lifecycle, from early concept development and analysis through integration, test, launch, and on-orbit mission execution.
Prior space experience is not required, but demonstrated experience developing, integrating, testing, or operating complex technical systems is essential. Some of our strongest engineers came from naval systems, aircraft, missiles, electronics, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and other engineering fields. If you know how to make complex systems work and you want to apply those skills to one of the most important and fastest growing areas of national security, we want to hear from you.
Primary responsibilities include:
• Supporting major program milestones and readiness reviews by developing technical content and translating complex information into clear presentations for key stakeholders.
• Authoring and contributing to program data products, systems engineering artifacts, and other critical deliverables.
• Collaborating with mission partners to develop and mature the system with a focus on successful mission execution.
• Supporting the development of new spacecraft or modification of existing spacecraft to enable an accelerated path from concept to launch.
• Developing and applying an understanding of spacecraft operations and design reference missions, particularly missions involving RPO in a contested space domain.
• Developing analysis and modeling tools to evaluate mission concepts and spacecraft performance.
• Managing requirements, including decomposing mission-level objectives into system and subsystem requirements and maintaining traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Managing internal and external interfaces, particularly payloads, host vehicles, and RPO sensor suites.
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time determined by the company.
This position is 100% on site.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 5 years of applicable experience, or a Master’s Degree and 3 years of applicable experience, or a PhD and 1 years of applicable experience
• Demonstrated experience applying systems engineering principles to the design, development, integration, test, or operation of complex aerospace, defense, or similarly complex technical systems.
• Experience collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues and develop integrated system solutions.
• Demonstrated experience performing one or more core systems-engineering functions, such as requirements development and management, interface definition and control, system architecture, mission analysis, mission operations, technical trade studies, or system verification and validation.
• Requires an active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at time of application.
Preferred Qualifications:
• An active or current TS/SCI Clearance.
• Experience supporting the design, development, integration, test, or operation of spacecraft or related systems.
• Experience with system architecture and concept of operations (CONOP) development.
• Experience developing technical briefings and communicating complex engineering information to senior technical, program, customer, or executive stakeholders.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Technical experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, or mission design; spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control; relative navigation, sensor fusion, or RPO sensing; spacecraft autonomy and fault management; mission operations, spacecraft operations, or ground systems; avionics, payloads, or digital electronics; RF communications or link analysis; spacecraft integration and test; launch and on-orbit operations; or other technical disciplines applicable to complex space missions.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
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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