Mission Architect Engineer

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

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Mission Architect Engineer Level 4 to lead the integration of ground systems with space vehicle hardware and other system interfaces for new capabilities in orbit. The role involves technical and programmatic oversight of integration activities, customer interactions, and architecture improvements throughout the mission lifecycle.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and manage the overall mission integration plan, schedule, milestones, and deliverables to ensure on-time delivery of the ground system in support of launches.
  2. Serve as the primary technical and programmatic lead for integration between the space vehicles, ground system, and vehicle vendors.
  3. Act as the primary point of contact with customers and mission partners regarding integration status, technical challenges, interface exchanges, and resolution of SV issues.
  4. Collaborate closely with the Phoenix team to onboard SVs into the ground system, identify necessary capabilities for mission execution, and ensure data delivery meets activation requirements.
  5. Oversee integrated Critical Path (IMS), risk management, and lead technical trades to secure customer concurrence, preserving launch dates and mission performance.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience or Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience or PhD with 4 years of professional experience
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
  • Prior aerospace-related work experience with a U.S. Government Agency or Contractor
  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles and practices, including requirements management, modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems
  • Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and interfacing with senior leaders and government customers
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Nice to have

  • Experience working on space security programs, including mission design, satellite ground software, and space vehicle integration
  • Demonstrated experience in system-of-systems trades and risk management in support of launch and mission performance.
  • Ability to propose creative solutions to optimize mission architecture and address inefficiencies in integration processes.
  • Familiarity with agile methodologies and the use of modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Python, STK, or similar) to support technical decision-making.

What the JD emphasized

  • Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time