Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Spacecraft Lead Systems Engineer to help lead programs in Gilbert, Arizona.  

Spacecraft Lead Systems Engineers function as the technical lead for their mission specific spacecraft, reporting up to the product line Chief Engineer & Lead Systems Engineer, and Mission Program Manager. They lead a cross-disciplinary team and is responsible for technical execution throughout the entire program lifecycle culminating in the on-orbit delivery of a fully mission capable spacecraft to our customers! Come join our team and help us keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Lead program technical execution in accordance with Northrop Grumman Systems Engineering processes and best practices  

• Be self-directed while leveraging your technical and leadership skills to bring Platform, Payload, and Launch Vehicle Interfaces together to produce a spacecraft meeting contractual and mission requirements  

• Function as the primary technical interface for customers, program management, product line engineering leadership, mission assurance, subsystem engineering, payload engineering, and launch vehicle integration teams  

• Perform technical planning and analyses at all levels of total system product to include concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal 

• Recognize and mitigate space-segment technical issues and risks  

• Lead the team through major program milestone and readiness reviews 

• Preside over mission specific engineering review boards, change control boards, and risk management reviews 

• Drive the planning, design, and execution of testing strategies to exercise spacecraft functionality, measure performance, and verify survivability in the extreme launch and space environments (Dynamics, TVAC, and EMI/EMC) 

• Directly support the Launch and On-orbit operations campaign for your designated mission at the launch site and Mission Operations Center 

• Author and provide input to major program data products and other deliverables 

• Support other product line level activities, including architecture studies, mission support, and other traditional Systems Engineering functions 

• Aid process improvement initiatives, and incorporate lessons learned to continue to strengthen the product line 

• Lead by example and be willing to mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise junior staff 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 6+ years of engineering experience OR PhD Degree in a STEM discipline and 4+ years of engineering experience 

• Have a strong background in systems engineering to include architectural studies, technical baseline definition, requirements & interface management, hardware/software integration, test planning & execution, or operational support 

• Possess strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills (upward and downward) 

• Prior experience in technical or project leadership positions 

• Must have U.S. Citizenship with active Top-Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI/SSBI at time of application

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or computer science 

• Active Top-Secret clearance with current or active SCI/SSBI 

• Recognized systems engineering subject matter expert (SME) 

• Experience working on aircraft or spacecraft systems 

• Experience in system architecture, CONOPs development, or model-based system engineering 

• Experience with various technical tools such as MATLAB, STK, CORE, DOORS, or CAMEO

• Experience with Mission Operations for spacecraft 

• Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI, Space Environments (Radiation, Surface Charging, etc.), and Human Factors is also desired. 

• Experience and/or training in Earned Value Management Systems 

#AZSpace