Hil Hardware Engineer - Level 2/3

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

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Hardware Engineer to support the architecture, design, integration, and deployment of SATCOM ground systems. Responsibilities include serving as a mission engineer for end-to-end data-flow solutions, supporting cross-functional teams, overseeing procurement and testing of hardware, controlling budgets, developing requirement specifications, and managing subcontractor performance. The role requires experience with computer-in-the-loop (RTCIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) laboratories, and SATCOM ground terminals.

What you'd actually do

  1. Support architecture, design, integration, and deployment of SATCOM ground systems supporting 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 advise 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. Oversee procurement, integration, and testing of antennas, modulation/demodulation subsystems, server/storage/computing platforms.
  5. Control budgets and cost accounts for material procurement and program‑wide hardware baselines.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 0 years of relevant experience (Level 2)
  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience OR PhD with 1 year of relevant experience (Level 3)
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance
  • Knowledge of designing, integrating, and testing real-time computer-in-the-loop (RTCIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) laboratories
  • Knowledge of design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF-over-Fiber, high-power transmitters, and various antenna types
  • Familiarity with PLM tools and the engineering lifecycle

Nice to have

  • 5+ years in satellite ground systems architecture, IT project management, and hardware integration for DoD/IC programs.
  • Direct support of multi-site SATCOM installations and experience delivering to secure USG facilities.
  • Demonstrated success managing hardware baselines and procurement for programs
  • Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements.
  • Proficiency with MBSE (SysML) and Agile development tools (Jira).
  • Strong background in server, storage, and network technologies (NetApp NAS, X86 virtualized servers).
  • Certifications: CompTIA Security+

What the JD emphasized

  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.
  • Knowledge of or familiarity with designing, integrating, and testing real‑time computer‑in‑the‑loop (RTCIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) laboratories.
  • Knowledge of or familiarity with design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and various antenna types.