Systems Engineer Level 4 - Mission Operations Development Lead - Gilbert

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Gilbert, AZ +2 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 4 to lead the development and execution of on-orbit mission operations for satellite programs. Responsibilities include developing and automating on-orbit procedures and scripts, authoring handbooks, delivering training, leading rehearsal activities, and providing on-console support during launch and early operations. The role requires experience with on-orbit mission operations, spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering, and scripting for automation.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead on-orbit procedure and script development and automation
  2. Develop and deliver system familiarization and operator training
  3. Lead rehearsal activities for key on-orbit events, Mission Readiness Tests (MRTs), Mission Rehearsals (MRs), Day-In-The-Life (DITL), LEOPS events, transition to NOMOPS, and major payload events.
  4. Execute Launch and Early Operations (LEOPS) On-console support during launch, early orbit, and transfer operations.
  5. Support system development activities such as requirements management, operations concept development, architecture input, integration and test, and formal program milestones.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or related discipline and 8 years of relevant experience; 6 years with a Master’s; 4 years with a PhD.
  • Prior experience conducting on-orbit mission operations and/or resolving satellite/ground system anomalies.
  • Experience with at least one spacecraft subsystem (e.g., ADCS/GNC, command and data handling, communications, power, thermal, flight software, orbital planning and dynamics, etc.).
  • Systems engineering experience or significant coursework in systems engineering or system design.
  • Experience writing technical documents for internal or external customers (e.g., procedures, handbooks, test plans, or operations documentation).
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews.
  • Experience with scripting for automation (e.g., Perl, Python, or equivalent) applied to mission operations products and workflows.
  • Experience in on orbit script and procedure development
  • EVMS experience reporting to project management

Nice to have

  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional mission operations activities (rehearsals, LEOPS, OOT, or anomaly resolution).
  • Experience with mission operations development of on orbit handbooks, operational procedure and script development
  • Support of readiness activities to include Mission Readiness Tests (MRTs), Mission Rehearsals (MRs), Day-In-The-Life (DITL), and daily operations testing.
  • On console experience during a launch and early operations campaign
  • Familiarity with training and certification programs for space system operations
  • Work experience with external System Integrator
  • Knowledge of STOL programing language

What the JD emphasized

  • Experience writing technical documents for internal or external customers (e.g., procedures, handbooks, test plans, or operations documentation).
  • Experience with scripting for automation (e.g., Perl, Python, or equivalent) applied to mission operations products and workflows.
  • Experience in on orbit script and procedure development