Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$103,600 - $193,900•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to join their team in Schriever SFB, CO. This role involves providing on-site technical support for Protected Satellite Communication mission requirements, specifically supporting the Protected Satcom Orbital Operations Program. The selected candidate will work with a team of Technical Advisors (TAs) to support the operational needs of the Milstar and Advanced EHF (AEHF) payloads, the communication network they form, and the interfacing ground and spacecraft. The team provides rapid and effective responses to Payload Operations and Maintenance (O&M) issues, minimizing communication system downtime. The TAs perform front-line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinate with the factory for further analysis and support, and conduct routine planning, operations, and maintenance tasks. The Payload System Engineer (PLSE) is primarily responsible for on-site technical support for AEHF/Milstar Payload and communication network operations related issues. The PLSE actively participates in the technical direction, analysis, and coordination for spacecraft, payload, and ground systems in Protected Satcom flight operations. This includes serving as a point of contact for factory payload experts, developing anomaly resolution procedures, acting as a test conductor for special payload activities, and supporting anomaly identification and resolution from initial response through root-cause investigations and corrective actions. The role also involves planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts during major constellation activities such as payload software uploads, communication resource reallocation, resiliency efforts, and constellation reconfigurations. This position is primarily for day staff, but occasional off-nominal work hours and 24/7 recall responsibilities are expected and shared among the TA staff. This position is 100% on-site with no teleworking capability.

Requirements

Principal Level: 5 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Years with PhD
Sr Principal Level: 8 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
Payload operations experience that includes familiarity with communication satellite payload systems.
Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application.
Strong problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to project plan and execute.
Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable producing technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations.
Some travel may be required to support test events and customer engagements.

Nice To Haves

Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of mission execution.
Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, Java, C/ C++.
Demonstrated experience briefing technical data to the Customer.
Demonstrated experience responding to off-hours recalls and anomalies.
Willingness to work nights/weekends for surge support.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site technical support for AEHF/Milstar Payload and communication network operations related issues.
Actively participate in the technical direction, analysis, and coordination for spacecraft, payload, and ground systems in Protected Satcom flight operations.
Serve as a point of contact for factory payload experts requesting data and information.
Develop anomaly resolution procedures.
Act as test conductor during special payload specific activities.
Support anomaly identification and resolution from initial anomaly response, through root-cause investigations and corrective actions for any anomalies associated with the payload.
Participate in planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts while planning major constellation activities including payload software uploads, comm resource reallocation, resiliency efforts, and constellation reconfigurations.
Perform front-line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinating issues with the factory for additional analysis and investigation support.
Perform various routine planning, operations and maintenance tasks.