Systems Engineer Training Lead Level 4 - Colorado Springs

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Colorado Springs, CO +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer Training Lead to design, deliver, and sustain training for customers and internal students on astrodynamics, satellite operations, and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). The role requires a strong background in space mission operations and instructional skills, with a focus on preparing operators for missions across LEO through GEO. A Top Secret security clearance is required.

What you'd actually do

  1. Designing, delivering, and sustaining high‑quality training for customers and internal students on astrodynamics, satellite operations, and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in uncooperative and non‑cooperative environments.
  2. Combining hands‑on space mission operations experience with strong instructional skills to ensure operators are prepared for missions spanning LEO through GEO.
  3. Working with or directly supporting a U.S. Government or military customer in an operational or training context.
  4. Using or supporting modeling/simulation (mod/sim) tools, preferably in support of exercises, mission rehearsals, and/or training events.
  5. Teaching astrodynamics or orbital mechanics concepts to technical audiences.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering) with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Spacecraft operations experience (satellite operations, mission control, on‑orbit mission execution, or closely related role).
  • Mission or operations planning experience (e.g., RPO planning, satellite maneuver planning, multi‑pass mission planning).
  • Demonstrated experience working with or directly supporting a U.S. Government or military customer in an operational or training context.
  • Experience using or supporting modeling/simulation (mod/sim) tools, preferably in support of exercises, mission rehearsals, and/or training events.
  • Intermediate or advanced understanding of: RPO trajectory design and planning, or Teaching astrodynamics or orbital mechanics concepts to technical audiences.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to students with varying levels of experience.
  • Ability to work on‑site and support occasional off‑hours training events, exercises, and rehearsals as required.

Nice to have

  • Formal teaching, instruction, or training delivery (classroom, virtual, or simulator‑based).
  • Demonstrated experience in course development, curriculum design, or training system development (syllabi, lesson plans, student guides, instructor guides, assessment materials).
  • Experience with large‑force, joint, or combined exercises involving space assets or multi‑domain operations.
  • Familiarity with common space mission analysis, trajectory design, or simulation tools (e.g., STK, GMAT, internally developed tools, or equivalent).
  • Prior experience as an instructor, evaluator, or training lead for military or government customers.

What the JD emphasized

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