Mission Architect Engineer (AHT)

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance at time of application, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval. This position is 100% on-site in Chantilly, VA and does not support remote work.

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history. 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 Space Vehicle and mission lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• 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 Space Vehicle issues.
• Collaborate closely with the Phoenix team to onboard Space Vehicles 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 Space Vehicle development maturations.
• Engage with space vehicle providers and stakeholders to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for enhanced mission performance and more effective integration.

Requirements

Level 3 - Principal Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional experience, or Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience, or PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
• 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.

Level 4 - Senior Principal Engineer

• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Schedule

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

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business