Hardware Engineer - Level 3

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Boulder, CO +1 · Material/Process

Hardware Engineer for Northrop Grumman's Space Systems division, focusing on the architecture, design, integration, and deployment of large-scale SATCOM ground systems. Responsibilities include serving as a mission engineer for end-to-end data-flow solutions, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and supporting procurement and testing of hardware components. Requires a Secret clearance and experience with SATCOM terminals, RF, and server/network technologies.

What you'd actually do

  1. Support architecture, design, integration, and deployment of large‑scale SATCOM ground systems supporting MEO‑tracking ground stations.
  2. Serve as mission engineer for end‑to‑end data‑flow solutions (RF processing, A/D conversion, demod, de‑crypt, networking configuration, cross‑domain handling) and ensure compliance with down‑link, transmit, spacecraft custody, and data‑processing requirements.
  3. Support and coordinate with cross‑functional teams of engineers across microwave/RF, HPC, precision timing, IT/networking, and civil‑construction disciplines; coordinate with antenna manufacturers, space‑craft providers, and vendor partners.
  4. Support procurement, integration, and testing of antennas, modulation/demodulation subsystems, server/storage/computing platforms.
  5. Develop detailed requirement specifications, source subcontract agreements, and manage subcontractor performance for hardware and civil‑construction deliverables.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Secret or higher security clearance
  • Knowledge of or experience designing, integrating, and testing hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) laboratories.
  • Experience with design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array antennas.
  • Background in server, storage, and network technologies (NetApp NAS, X86 virtualized servers).
  • CompTIA Security+ certification

Nice to have

  • Experience with multi‑site SATCOM installations and experience delivering to secure USG facilities.
  • Demonstrated success supporting large hardware baselines and procurement for programs
  • Hands‑on experience with airborne/ground C2 systems (Kratos Compass, RT Logic, ViaSat).
  • Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements.
  • Networking Fundamentals (IPv4/v6; TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, routing)
  • Field Networking Ruggedized connectors, ethernet of fiber/copper)
  • Networking Management (Remote Access/Administration)
  • Understanding of MBSE (SysML) and Agile development tools (Jira).

What the JD emphasized

  • Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret or higher security clearance at time of application, current and within scope