Northrop Grumman

Mission Architect Engineer

Northrop Grumman$142K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years, Master's with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years of relevant experience
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
  • Prior aerospace work experience with U.S. Government Agency or Contractor
  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles including requirements management
  • Proven ability to manage diverse technical teams and communicate with senior leaders
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage mission integration plans and schedules to ensure timely ground system delivery
  • Lead integration efforts between space vehicles and ground systems
  • Serve as primary contact for customers on integration status and issues
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure mission execution capabilities
  • Oversee risk management and technical trades to meet performance targets
  • Provide technical recommendations and propose architecture improvements through SV lifecycle
  • Engage stakeholders to identify and rectify integration inefficiencies

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: NoDescription

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Mission Architect Engineer Level 4 to join our team in Chantilly, VA. This position is 100% on site and does not support remote work.

This high-impact role will serve as both the technical and programmatic centerpiece for mission integration, fusing together a ground system with Space Vehicle hardware and various other system interfaces to enable new capabilities in orbit. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with frequent customer and executive-level interactions, providing oversight to integration activities, and driving architecture improvements throughout the SV and mission lifecycle.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:
  • Develop and manage the overall mission integration plan, schedule, milestones, and deliverables to ensure on-time delivery of the ground system in support of launches.
  • Serve as the primary technical and programmatic lead for integration between the space vehicles, ground system, and vehicle vendors.
  • Act as the primary point of contact with customers and mission partners regarding integration status, technical challenges, interface exchanges, and resolution of SV issues.
  • Collaborate closely with the Phoenix team to onboard SVs into the ground system, identify necessary capabilities for mission execution, and ensure data delivery meets activation requirements.
  • Oversee integrated Critical Path (IMS), risk management, and lead technical trades to secure customer concurrence, preserving launch dates and mission performance.
  • Provide recommendations during reviews throughout the Space Vehicle lifecycle and propose improvements to mission architecture based on SV development maturations.
  • Engage with space vehicle providers and stakeholders to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for enhanced mission performance and more effective integration.


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.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience or Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience or PhD with 4 years of professional experience
  • Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time
  • Prior aerospace-related work experience with a U.S. Government Agency or Contractor
  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles and practices, including requirements management, modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems
  • Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and interfacing with senior leaders and government customers
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences


PreferredQualifications:
  • Experience working on space security programs, including mission design, satellite ground software, and space vehicle integration
  • Demonstrated experience in system-of-systems trades and risk management in support of launch and mission performance.
  • Ability to propose creative solutions to optimize mission architecture and address inefficiencies in integration processes.
  • Familiarity with agile methodologies and the use of modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Python, STK, or similar) to support technical decision-making.


Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

#NOVASPACE

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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 candidate's 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.

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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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