Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)
- US citizenship
How this pay compares
This posting states $104k–$155k a year. Open systems engineer jobs in Colorado post a median of $152k a year, the middle half $131k–$171k, across 195 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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 Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to join our team in Schriever SFB, CO.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Payload System Engineer (PLSE) familiar with Protected Satellite Communication mission requirements to support the Protected Satcom Orbital Operations Program for mission operations at Schriever SFB, CO.
The selected candidate will work with the existing team of Technical Advisors (TAs) to support operational needs of the constellation of Milstar and Advanced EHF (AEHF) payloads, the worldwide communication network they form and the interfacing ground and spacecraft that make up the full communication system.
The SSFB payload TAs, along with the NG factory, form an integrated team providing quick and effective responses to Payload-related O&M issues, minimizing communication system downtime. The SSFB TAs perform the front-line analysis of on-orbit issues, coordinating issues with the factory for additional analysis and investigation support.
In addition, the TAs perform various routine planning, operations and maintenance tasks. The PLSE is primarily responsible for on-site technical support for AEHF/Milstar Payload and communication network operations related issues.
Due to the central nature of the NG payloads to the system, the PLSE actively participates in the technical direction, analysis and coordination for spacecraft, payload, and ground system in Protected Satcom flight operations.
This involves serving as point of contact for factory payload experts requesting data and information; developing anomaly resolution procedures; acting as test conductor during special payload specific activities; supporting anomaly identification and resolution from initial anomaly response, through root-cause investigations and corrective actions for any anomalies associated with the payload.
Because the system is a worldwide communication system of critical importance to the nation’s defense, the payload TAs participate in planning creative solutions to minimize operational impacts while planning major constellation activities including payload software uploads, comm resource reallocation, resiliency efforts, and constellation reconfigurations.
This position is primarily for day staff, although occasional off-nominal work hours are expected and 24/7 recall responsibilities are shared across the TA staff. ## Basic Qualifications - Principal Level: 5 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Years with PhD - Sr Principal Level: 8 Years with Bachelors STEM in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD - Payload operations experience that includes familiarity with communication satellite payload systems. - Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application - Strong problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to project plan and execute. - Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable producing technical reports, requirements documents, and briefings for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders. - Be able to make decisions under high pressure environments and maintain composure in stressful situations. - Some travel may be required to support test events and customer engagements. ## Preferred Qualifications - Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of mission execution. - Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, Java, C/ C++. - Demonstrated experience briefing technical data to the Customer - Demonstrated experience responding to off-hours recalls and anomalies - Willingness to work nights/weekends for surge support ## 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 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.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New systems engineering, integration and test jobs in space in Colorado, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
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).
More open jobs at Northrop Grumman
- 2027 Associate Software Engineer - Boulder CO$76,200–$114,400/yr
- Business Admin Support
- IR Plume Mod/Sim Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3$83,400–$125,200/yr
- Lead Automation Test Engineer - Level 4$117,500–$176,300/yr
- Network Engineer - Level 3$94,200–$141,200/yr
- Staff AI/ML Software Engineer - Level 5$194,700–$292,100/yr
More systems engineering, integration and test jobs in space
- Software System Engineer
- Engineer Senior Principal - CONOPS - $10,000 SIGN-ON BONUS$132,962–$226,035/yr
- Engineer Senior Principal – Space Vehicle Systems / Simulators$132,962–$226,035/yr
- Associate Manager, Integration and Test Engineering 1
- Scientist, Systems Engineering (Chief Systems Engineer): Sign-on bonus ($50k max) 1
- Hardware Test Engineer$110,000–$176,000/yr
A systems, integration or test engineer?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
Northrop Grumman openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from Northrop Grumman's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.