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Staff Engineer Systems– Spacecraft Bus Lead

Northrop Grumman
VADU01, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 15 Jan 2026
💰 $265,600/yr($177,000/yr$265,600/yr)

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector, Space Superiority Division, seeks a qualified Systems Engineer to lead rapid space platform development on a priority development program. The Lead Bus Engineer will be responsible for managing the space segment and mission engineering technical team, serving as both a leader and an individual contributor when needed. Duties include: systems/mission analysis and trades, concept of operations (CONOP) development, coordinating space segment engineering activities, engineering baseline management, interface management, requirements/V&V management, integration & test campaign development, subcontractor technical oversight, and preparing/presenting SE material at all major reviews. Successful candidates may also be called on to assist in new business activities, such as conceptual design and analysis for proposals, as well as authoring cost and technical volumes as needed.

In this leadership level role, the lead bus engineer is expected to be self-directed using previous experience to lead design, analysis, and execution efforts, while also recognizing and mitigating technical issues/risks that may impact capability, cost, or schedule. Regular interaction with senior technical and business leadership as well as a subcontractor is expected, meaning that presentation skills and particularly the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to either technical or nontechnical audiences are required.

This position will be located on-site in Dulles, VA.

Responsibilities:

·       Lead/Provide major support to the entire space segment technical team.

·       Lead and optimize space vehicle and mission design.

·       Troubleshoot and develop solutions to complex problems that the program may encounter.

·       Develop, author and/or provide input to major program data products and deliverables.

·       Technical management of program elements

·       Plan and conduct of technical reviews and technical baseline

·       Write status and technical performance reviews and reports

·       Mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise junior staff

·       Must be able to recognize and mitigate technical issues and risks while operating within budget and on schedule.

·       The candidate will work with cross-discipline team members and must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse community of engineers and managers to achieve the goals of the program team.

Basic Qualifications:

•         A candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related technical field, and 12 years of applicable experience; a Master’s Degree and 10 years of applicable experience; or a PhD a 7 years of applicable experience.

•         Extensive technical experience in systems engineering and integration of complex systems, including space systems development, manufacture, test, or operations, including previous technical or project leadership positions.

•         Understanding of spacecraft design and space mission architectures.

•         Complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines

•         Proactive. Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions.

•         Ability to lead a diverse multi-discipline Engineering team.

•         Must have US Citizenship with ability to get DoD Top Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

•        

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Company

Northrop Grumman

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