Space Payload Systems Engineer

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 is seeking a Payload System Engineer (PL SE) 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 Remote Technical Advisors 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 RTAs, along with the NG factory, form an integrated team providing quick and effective responses to Payload-related O&M issues, minimizing communication system down-time.  The SSFB RTAs perform the front line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinating issues with the factory for additional analysis and investigation support.  In addition, the RTAs 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 RTAs participate in planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts while planning major constellation activities such as new satellite insertion, Payload software upload and constellation reconfigurations. This position is primarily day staff, although occasional off-nominal work hours are expected and 24/7 recall responsibilities are shared across the RTA staff. 

Relocation assistance will be available.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science/Technology/ Engineering/Math) and 2 years of relevant engineering experience and 1+ years of related experience with satellite payload systems.
• Candidate must have and be able to maintain at least an active DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2+ years payload operations experience that includes familiarity with communication satellite payload systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities, as well as proven communication skills.
• Active DoD Top Secret security clearance is preferred.
• Active SCI security clearance is preferred.
• SSBI completed within last 5 years is preferred.

Salary Range: $68,100 USD - $102,100 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.