Ground Mission Architect

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Dulles, VA +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Ground Mission Architect to serve as a subject matter expert and key customer interface for space security missions, focusing on Ground Design and integration. The role involves leading technical efforts for capture and strategy, aligning missions across security constructs, integrating with global services, and shaping new ground architectures. Responsibilities include customer engagement, mentoring engineers, directing developmental efforts, capturing and communicating technical concepts, performing system-of-system trades, and supporting capture activities. Requires a Bachelor's degree in STEM, 12+ years of experience, and an active Top Secret security clearance.

What you'd actually do

  1. Interface and drive engagement with customers and stakeholders for mission ground systems
  2. Promulgate a clear vision of common grounds and how to use them for disparate missions at multiple security levels
  3. Mentor mission architects and systems engineers in ground design, mission specific software within the ground framework, and enabling SV behavior to achieve the end to end mission
  4. Direct developmental and analytical efforts to reduce risk, mature the system, ensure mission success, and grow the business area.
  5. Support the family of programs with system architecture establishment/evolution and CONOPs development.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or other STEM related degree with 12+ years of experience in a related engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace and/or operations; 10 years with a Master's; 7 years with a PhD
  • Understanding of Systems Engineering principles and practices
  • Experience with developing and presenting briefing slides to senior leaders and executive level personnel
  • Ground design implementation, architectural design, and knowledge of cyber security frameworks for national security systems

Nice to have

  • Experience in mission design, satellite ground software, satellite hardware, and distributed modeling & simulation
  • Understanding of system of system architecture designs the interplay between various national security customers and products
  • Prior aerospace-related work experience for a U.S Government Agency or Contractor
  • Previous experience with flight hardware on operational system
  • Previous experience with Class C / demonstration programs

What the JD emphasized

  • Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance at time of application current and within scope with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access