Northrop Grumman

2026 Associate Hardware Engineer / Hardware Engineer (AHT) - Aurora CO

Northrop Grumman$69K — $104K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience (or 4 additional years in lieu of degree)
  • Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required at time of application
  • Experience with Tier 1 support of HW and RF systems, including technical troubleshooting and problem-solving
  • Experience administering Tier 1 System Administration on Red Hat Linux and VM vSphere
  • SEC+ certification or ability to obtain certification
  • Familiarity with engineering drawings and technical manuals for equipment operation and maintenance
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel

Responsibilities

  • Support the sustainment of Mobile Ground Station systems and maintain HW and RF systems
  • Troubleshoot technical problems and determine solutions per specifications
  • Conduct maintenance and testing of various electronic systems and components
  • Analyze engineering specifications and confer with quality for technical information exchange
  • Investigate defective parts and evaluate findings for corrective actions
  • Perform system maintenance activities including inspections and fluid changes
  • Provide technical training and product briefings to customers and stakeholders

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
  • Potential eligibility for overtime and discretionary bonuses
  • Opportunities for additional long-term incentives for higher-level positions
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Hardware Engineer 6 Level 1 or 2 6 to support our team at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, CO.

What You99ll Get to Do:

This role supports the sustainment of Mobile Ground Station systems. Maintains Hardware (HW), and Radio Frequency (RF) systems in support of Mobile Ground Based Systems architecture and supports communications infrastructure. Troubleshoots technical problems and issues, determines technical solution in accordance with product and customer specifications, and recommends actions to company or customer representatives for coordinated solution. Maintains, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including RF equipment; communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment. Analyzes engineering specifications and drawings; confers with quality to provide and obtain technical information; investigates reports of defective, damaged or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment or systems; and reviews schedules. Examines, measures, inspects or tests defective parts for conformance. Evaluates findings to formulate corrective actions. Perform additional system maintenance activities, including but not limited to fluid changes, desiccant bag replacement, and other related inspections. Available to support after-hours, on-call, and 24/7 coverage as required by program needs. May conduct technical training and product briefing with customers, vendors, and company representatives.

This requisition may be filled at a higher job grade based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either a Level 1 or a Level 2.

Basic Qualifications for a Level 1:

- Bachelor99s degree and 0 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required at time of application

- Experience with Tier 1 support of HW and RF systems, test equipment, technical troubleshooting, and problem solving

- Experience with Tier 1 System Administration troubleshooting and diagnosis on Red Hat Linux and VM vSphere

- SEC+ certified or ability to obtain certification

- Experience with engineering drawings and technical manuals, and the use thereof for operating, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment

- Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Basic Qualifications for a Level 2:

- Bachelor99s degree and 2 years of relevant experience; Master99s degree and 0 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required at time of application

- Experience with Tier 1 support of HW and RF systems, test equipment, technical troubleshooting, and problem solving

- Experience with Tier 1 System Administration troubleshooting and diagnosis on Red Hat Linux and VM vSphere

- SEC+ certified or ability to obtain certification

- Experience with engineering drawings and technical manuals, and the use thereof for operating, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment

- Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience supporting SBIRS or similar space/ground system enterprises (satellite, ground station, payload, hardware/software integration

- Hands-on systems engineering or sustainment experience supporting DoD or U.S. Space Force programs

- Other DoD Directive 8570 certifications

- Familiarity with Preventative Maintenance Inspections

- Familiarity with discrepancy reporting or trouble ticking systems

- Familiarity with hand tools and test equipment, and the use thereof

- Ability to work independently with multi-disciplined teams within the program

Pay Range

Level 1 - $69,400 - $104,000

Level 2 - $83,400 - $125,200

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,400.00 - $104,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $1,252,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate99s experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

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.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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