Mission Operations Development Engineer - Level 3/4 - Chantilly
- US citizenship
How this pay compares
This posting states $114k–$171k a year. Open mission operations engineer jobs in Virginia post a median of $127k a year, the middle half $109k–$142k, across 16 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post.
Mission and launch operations engineers in Virginia: pay by town and employer
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time ## Description 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 - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.
Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Mission Operations Development Engineer to assist with executing multiple mission support activities in a geographically distributed operations team that supports the preparation and execution of high-tempo on-orbit spacecraft activities, including Launch and Early Orbit Operations, specialized test activities, and long-term sustainment operations.
This position will require full-time on-site work. Position will support day staff mission operations script testing work approximately 50% of the time, and shift work (including nights/weekends/holidays) approximately 50% of the time.
In this role, the Mission Operations Development Engineer will be responsible for performing the following activities: - Provide mission operations support to classified Satellite programs. - Work with systems engineers to integrate and test operational scripts for use during all phases of satellite operations, including early operations and sustainment operations. - Conduct testing using simulators and resolve discrepancies. - Develop and test command procedures, telemetry pages, and other products derived from vendor provided documentation. - Support campaign mission preparation and operations activities including mission rehearsals, mission execution, and post launch test execution. - Provide leadership to cross-functional geographically dispersed satellite operations team during real-time mission execution. - Lead troubleshooting of satellite, ground, and/or C2 software issues during mission operations. - Enact configuration management processes for space vehicle configuration, to include both hardware, software, and configurable item parameters. - Make modifications to existing operations procedures to incorporate lessons learned from in-flight performance, to include adding automation capabilities. - Support internal and external customer meetings through proficient verbal and documented (MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel) communications. - Utilize Agile Processes and Tools, including Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence), BitBucket, MatterMost. - This position will require up to 50% shift work This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4. ## Basic Qualifications for Level 3 - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree. - Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application - Scripting experience in Python, STOL, or other coding languages - Experience with operations of on-orbit satellites - Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations - Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews ## Basic Qualifications for Level 4 - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree. - Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application - Scripting experience in Python, STOL, or other coding languages - Experience with operations of on-orbit satellites - Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations - Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews ## Preferred Qualifications - Support mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities - Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, SIMULINK, Fortran, Java, C/ C++ - Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) or formation flight - Ability to work within a group of diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success. - Experience with execution of spacecraft launch campaigns or sustainment operations - Experience with automating scripted processes related to spacecraft or ground operations - Experience working on government systems and/or government process environment - Familiarity with Linux ## Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector?
Click the link below https://www.northropgrumman.com/space Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSoftwareJobs #NoVASpace #SPEnhancedERAP 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.
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. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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