Principal Engineer Mission Architect

Northrop Grumman • Colorado Springs, CO

8d • Onsite

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's Space Sector is seeking a Principal Mission Architect Engineer - << Level >> to join our team in Colorado Springs, CO. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. In this job, you will: 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 This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience in STEM field or mechanical, electrical, aerospace or operations - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience
• Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
• 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
• 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
• ​Experience writing technical documents for external customers

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees