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Systems & Test

Space Vehicle Chief Engineer – Staff Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman logoNorthrop Grumman~$117k–$266k/yrtypicalDulles, VA, United StatesFull timePosted 1mo ago
  • US citizenship
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Top Secret clearance

How this pay compares

This posting does not state its pay. Open systems engineer jobs in Virginia post a median of $157k a year, the middle half $122k–$182k, across 58 jobs that state their pay.

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About the job

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret 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 Space Systems Sector seeks a qualified Systems Engineer to serve as the Chief Engineer for a Space Vehicle development program within Space Superiority Division. The qualified candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team executing the design and development of a Space Vehicle and its associated Mission, as well as support related capture efforts.

In this leadership level role, the Chief Engineer is expected to be self-directed using previous experience to lead design, analysis, and execution efforts, while also recognizing and mitigating technical issues/risks that may impact capability, cost, or schedule.

Regular interaction with senior business leadership and the Customer is expected, meaning that presentation skills and particularly the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to either technical or nontechnical audiences is required.

The Chief Engineer has technical oversight for the program, and primary duties include: - Leading and supporting the spacecraft and mission engineering team. - Serving as the primary technical advisor to the program manager and being a trusted technical point of contact for the Customer. - Coordinating engineering activities across spacecraft, payload, GNC, software, communications, ground, and mission-operations teams. - Identifying and resolving technical issues and risks that could affect mission capability, cost, or schedule. - Supporting spacecraft integration and test, mission-readiness activities, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit execution. - Developing and presenting engineering content at major technical reviews and program milestones. - Coordinating internal responses to cross-segment issues and providing high level briefings on major decision points to senior leadership - Ensuring that all engineering teams adhere to sound engineering processes, in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards - Managing the integration of complex payloads. - Mentoring, training, and directing junior staff. ## Basic Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related technical field, and 12 years of applicable experience; a Master’s Degree and 10 years of applicable experience; or a PhD and 8 years of applicable experience - Must have active Top Secret Clearance at time of application - Experience with spacecraft design, space mission architectures, or space systems development, integration, test, or operations. - Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or complex technical efforts. - Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues and communicate effectively with technical teams, program leadership, customers, or mission partners. - Demonstrated strong communication skills (verbal and written) with experience briefing executive and customer leadership ## Preferred Qualifications - An active or current TS/SCI Clearance. - Extensive experience with spacecraft development, integration and test, launch, commissioning, or on-orbit operations. - Experience in the Space Security Domain - Experience with Class B, C or D Space Programs - Knowledge of aerospace environmental testing standards - CAM / engineering project management experience #NoVASpace #SpaceSysEngJobs #SpaceEngJobs #SPEnhancedERAP Primary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00 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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