Space Vehicle Chief Engineer – Staff Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Dulles, VA

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector seeks a qualified Systems Engineer to serve as the Chief Engineer for a Space Vehicle development program within Space Superiority Division. The qualified candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team executing the design and development of a Space Vehicle and its associated Mission, as well as support related capture efforts. In this leadership level role, the Chief Engineer is expected to be self-directed using previous experience to lead design, analysis, and execution efforts, while also recognizing and mitigating technical issues/risks that may impact capability, cost, or schedule. Regular interaction with senior business leadership and the Customer is expected, meaning that presentation skills and particularly the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to either technical or nontechnical audiences is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related technical field, and 12 years of applicable experience; a Master’s Degree and 10 years of applicable experience; or a PhD and 8 years of applicable experience
Must have active Top Secret Clearance at time of application
Experience with spacecraft design, space mission architectures, or space systems development, integration, test, or operations.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or complex technical efforts.
Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues and communicate effectively with technical teams, program leadership, customers, or mission partners.
Demonstrated strong communication skills (verbal and written) with experience briefing executive and customer leadership

Nice To Haves

An active or current TS/SCI Clearance.
Extensive experience with spacecraft development, integration and test, launch, commissioning, or on-orbit operations.
Experience in the Space Security Domain
Experience with Class B, C or D Space Programs
Knowledge of aerospace environmental testing standards
CAM / engineering project management experience

Responsibilities

Leading and supporting the spacecraft and mission engineering team.
Serving as the primary technical advisor to the program manager and being a trusted technical point of contact for the Customer.
Coordinating engineering activities across spacecraft, payload, GNC, software, communications, ground, and mission-operations teams.
Identifying and resolving technical issues and risks that could affect mission capability, cost, or schedule.
Supporting spacecraft integration and test, mission-readiness activities, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit execution.
Developing and presenting engineering content at major technical reviews and program milestones.
Coordinating internal responses to cross-segment issues and providing high level briefings on major decision points to senior leadership
Ensuring that all engineering teams adhere to sound engineering processes, in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards
Managing the integration of complex payloads.
Mentoring, training, and directing junior staff.