Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer
Listed on 2026-03-01
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Electronics Engineer
Overview
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California.
This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.
Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:
- Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives.
- Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications.
- Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.
- Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation.
- Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration.
- Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.
By joining this team, you’ll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation.
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
Essentialexperience
- Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system
- Electro-Optics
- Sensor design
- Remote sensing
- High energy laser systems
- Lasercom systems
- Spacecraft system design
- Image processing
- RF and digital hardware design
- Signal detection and estimation
- Control Systems
- Structures/Dynamics
- Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3+ years of engineering experience OR a PhD in a STEM discipline
- Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems
- Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application.
- Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
- Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy
- Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP
- Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
- Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application
- Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program. As a full-time employee you are eligible for:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
- Flexible Schedules: e.g., a 9/80 schedule
- For more details, please view Northrop Grumman Benefits
#Los Angeles Space
#LI-DB1
Primary Level Salary Range: $ - $
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may…
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