Principal/Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer Software Test

Northrop Grumman • Chantilly, VA

1d • $114,000 - $213,400 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join the Space Superiority Division in Chantilly, Virginia. The role supports a cross-disciplinary team developing, integrating, testing, and delivering advanced spacecraft and mission systems for space security missions. The engineer contributes across the mission lifecycle, from architecture and concept development through analysis, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit execution, helping solve problems in spacecraft performance, mission design, operations, and system integration.

The position has a strong focus on software-intensive system testing, including readiness and execution of Day-In-The-Life (DITL) tests and validation of end-to-end mission scenarios. The engineer develops and maintains test plans, procedures, and configurations; monitors system behavior and stability; reports results and risks; and supports technical reviews and program milestones. The role also includes requirements and interface management, verification and validation, preparation of mission-engineering products and systems-engineering artifacts, and communication of technical assessments to customers, program leadership, and stakeholders.

The position is available at Level 3 or Level 4 and is 100% on-site in Chantilly, Virginia. An active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required at application, and the position is contingent on obtaining final clearances and program access within a reasonable period. Relocation assistance may be available, and external candidates may be eligible for a $10,000 sign-on bonus. Travel is 10%.

Requirements

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of professional experience, master's degree and 3 years, or PhD and 1 year.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree and 8 years of professional experience, master's degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years.
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at the time of application.
• Demonstrated experience supporting development of a space or ground system.
• Demonstrated systems-engineering experience, such as requirements management, system architecture development, CONOPs development, mission engineering, or modeling and simulation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience testing complex software-intensive systems, particularly mission-thread or Day-In-The-Life testing for space or aerospace/defense programs.
• Working knowledge of satellite mission planning and operations, including mission timelines, command and control, and ground-system workflows.
• Proficiency with system-test methodologies and tools, such as automated test frameworks, log or telemetry analysis, and defect tracking, including monitoring system stability and scalability under operationally realistic loads.
• Ability to lead cross-functional test events, synthesize complex results into briefings, and drive statement-of-work and test requirements to closure with stakeholders.
• Experience developing technical briefings and communicating complex engineering information to senior technical, program, customer, or executive stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating across engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues and develop integrated spacecraft or mission solutions.
• Experience in Space Superiority mission design, satellite ground software, or distributed modeling and simulation.
• Experience with mission-system requirements, verification and validation planning, mission planning and execution, mission analysis, modeling and simulation, or system trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Day-In-The-Life (DITL) system test readiness and execution events, ensuring end-to-end mission scenarios are validated.
• Develop, document, and maintain system test plans, procedures, and test configurations aligned with statement-of-work requirements and program milestones.
• Execute DITL and system test events; monitor and report system behavior and stability; and escalate issues related to scalability, performance, and mission risk.
• Prepare and present test results, technical reviews, and briefing materials for working groups, technical reviews, and program status forums; drive closure of test-related actions and requirements.
• Develop and manage mission, system, and subsystem requirements, including decomposition, allocation, traceability, verification, and validation.
• Define and manage internal and external interfaces among spacecraft, payloads, host vehicles, sensor suites, ground systems, and mission partners.
• Support major program milestones, technical reviews, and mission-readiness reviews by developing technical content and communicating engineering assessments to customers, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Author and contribute to mission-engineering products, systems-engineering artifacts, technical reports, and other program deliverables.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available.
• $10,000 sign-on bonus may be available to external candidates.
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior