Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer

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.
Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:

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
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) 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. .
Preferred Qualifications:

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 of Northrop Grumman, 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: For example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
-For more details, please view Northrop Grumman Benefits.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00The 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 be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Client-provided location(s): Redondo Beach, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10212478

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-11-08T20:09:41