Hardware Engineer - Level 5
About The Position
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 (NGSP) is seeking a Hardware Engineer - Level 5 to serve as Hardware Team Lead and join our team at our facility in Boulder, Colorado.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 10 years of relevant experience – OR – PhD with 8 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret or higher security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI
- Hands‑on experience designing, integrating, and testing real‑time computer‑in‑the‑loop (RTCIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) laboratories.
- Design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array antennas.
- Strong background in server, storage, and network technologies (NetApp NAS, X86 virtualized servers).
- Certifications: CompTIA Security+ or ability to obtain
Nice To Haves
- 10+ years in satellite ground systems architecture, large‑scale IT project management, and hardware integration for DoD/IC programs.
- CompTIA Security+ certification
- Direct leadership of multi‑site SATCOM installations and experience delivering to secure USG facilities.
- Demonstrated success managing large hardware baselines and procurement for programs
- Hands‑on experience with airborne/ground C2 systems (Kratos Compass, RT Logic, ViaSat).
- Experience with civil‑construction coordination for medium to large installations.
- Proficiency with MBSE (SysML) and Agile development tools (Jira).
Responsibilities
- Lead architecture, design, integration, and deployment of large‑scale SATCOM ground systems supporting MEO‑tracking ground stations.
- Serve as mission engineer for end‑to‑end data‑flow solutions (RF processing, A/D conversion, demod, de‑crypt, networking configuration, cross‑domain handling) and ensure compliance with down‑link, transmit, spacecraft custody, and data‑processing requirements.
- Support and advise cross‑functional teams of engineers across microwave/RF, HPC, precision timing, IT/networking, and civil‑construction disciplines; coordinate with antenna manufacturers, space‑craft providers, and vendor partners.
- Oversee procurement, integration, and testing of antennas, modulation/demodulation subsystems, server/storage/computing platforms.
- Control budgets and cost accounts for material procurement and program‑wide hardware baselines.
- Develop detailed requirement specifications, source subcontract agreements, and manage subcontractor performance for hardware and civil‑construction deliverables.
- Maintain vendor relationships, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- Annual bonuses
- Long Term Incentives (for VP or Director positions)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
