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Systems & Test

Principal Mission Architect Engineer/Senior Principal Mission Architect Engineer

Northrop Grumman logoNorthrop Grumman$103,600–$155,400/yrColorado Springs, CO, United StatesFull timePosted 1mo ago
  • $10,000 sign-on bonus
  • US citizenship
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Secret clearance

About the job

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: No ## 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. Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Principal Mission Architect Engineer Level 3 or Senior Principal Mission Architect Engineer Level 4 located in Colorado Springs, CO, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. ## YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT - Own the development of Space Test and Training Modeling and Simulation capabilities to enable the initial delivery of an Operations C2 / Tactical C2 Training Prototype. - Integrate simulation components (e.g., Space Vehicle Simulators) with operational satellite Mission Planning and C2 Ground Software. - Collaborate across multiple teams to develop a training platform spanning across multiple disparate systems. - Partner with Government End-Users to support occasional crew training exercises. - Support feasibility and risk reduction studies.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team! ## $10K Sign on bonus payable to qualified new external hires only. Internals are not eligible.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period as determined by the company. ## Required Qualifications Level 3 - Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other STEM related degree with 5 years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations; 3 years with a Master’s; 1 year with PhD. - Requires an active Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access - Relevant experience with mission planning and/or orbital analyst responsibilities and/or processes focusing on Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). - Experience with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Space Vehicle Simulators). - Familiarity with mission applications dealing with command and control, mission planning, scene visualization, and/or astrodynamics. - Experience with different forms of Space Operational C2 and/or Tactical C2 simulation test/training environments. - Experience with software or modeling and simulation requirements decomposition. ## Required Qualifications Level 4 - Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other STEM related degree with 8 years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations; 6 years with a Master’s; 4 year with PhD. - Requires an active Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access - Relevant experience with mission planning and/or orbital analyst responsibilities and/or processes focusing on Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). - Experience with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Space Vehicle Simulators). - Familiarity with mission applications dealing with command and control, mission planning, scene visualization, and/or astrodynamics. - Experience with different forms of Space Operational C2 and/or Tactical C2 simulation test/training environments. - Experience with software or modeling and simulation requirements decomposition. ## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with Python, MATLAB, C, or C++. - Experience with Open Simulation Standards (e.g., Distributed Interactive Simulation, High-Level Architecture, or similar). - Previous exposure to Software Interface Control Documents (ICDs). - Previous exposure to Software internal block diagrams (IBDs) and/or data-flow diagrams. - Experience working with external organizations or vendors on behalf of a team or company. - Active TS/SCI Clearance. #COSpace #SpaceSysEngJobs #SpaceEngJobs Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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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