Pr Mission Architect Engineer - Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems)

  • Northrop Grumman
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • Full Time
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: 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.

This position is for a full-time technical role in Colorado Springs, Colorado (100% on site). The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Support On-Orbit Test activities including mission planning, scenario development, dry-run/rehearsal and test execution.
  • Work closely with vendors, cognizant engineers, subject matter experts, orbital analysists, and systems engineers to ensure overall test plan is realistic, achievable, and meets customer intent.
  • Support/lead analysis on test feasibility while considering limits, constraints, estimated fuel usage, vehicle capabilities while also incorporating overall test community objectives
  • Support on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities as either Test Director, Test Specialist, or other necessary position
  • Conduct testing using simulators and assist in resolving any discrepancies
  • Support planning and execution of various stakeholder meetings including test plan working groups, review boards, readiness reviews, and technical exchange meetings.
  • Work CDRL development/review for test plans, test procedures, and test reports

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree in physics or engineering or related STEM field with 5 years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations
  • Must have U.S. citizenship with active or current DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility at time of application
  • Must have experience running physics-based simulations and post-processing results
  • Strong background in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics. Knowledge of fundamental numerical propagators and force models for earth-orbiting space vehicles
  • Understanding of relative motion problems and mission planning for RPO missions
  • Experience using COTS astrodynamics analysis tools (FreeFlyer preferred)
  • Familiarity with GNC algorithms for satellites
  • Understanding of navigation filters and image processing techniques/algorithms
  • Knowledge and experience in satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution
  • Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations
  • Ability to troubleshoot and correct problems in a dynamic environment
  • Have firm knowledge/previous experience with rendezvous and proximity operations, reference frames, orbital/advanced orbital mechanics, astrodynamics in order to perform mission/test planning with limited oversight

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient in Python and/or MATLAB. C or C++ would be preferred
  • Prior aerospace-related work experience for a U.S Government Agency or Contractor
  • Have an extensive comprehension of different astrodynamics coordinate frames such as ECI and RIC
  • Background/fundamental understanding of performing statistical analysis
  • Previous experience supporting mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities.
  • Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
  • Experience writing technical documents for external customers

#COSPACE

Salary Range: $100,300.00 - $150,500.00The 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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Job ID: 488085282
Originally Posted on: 8/4/2025

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