System Engineer Level 5 - Mission Operations SME

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

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’s Space Systems Sector is seeking a System Engineer Level 5 - Mission Operations SME to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA.

*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.

What you’ll get to do

• Lead the definition of how to execute a unique and evolving mission set.
• Own the development of concepts of operations (CONOPS) for complex mission sets, from initial vision through operational employment.
• Direct the translation of CONOPS into detailed procedures, checklists, and playbooks for operational use.
• Drive the roadmap and development of tools, products, and processes that enable successful mission operations.
• Plan, lead, and evaluate operational rehearsals, simulations, and mission demonstrations.
• Establish and reinforce a culture of knowledge sharing through high‑quality documentation and recording of system operations, hardware configurations, and software behaviors.
• Model a strong commitment to ethics and integrity while innovating and constructively challenging traditional ways of doing business.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the team while coordinating with cross‑functional stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver mission outcomes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline plus 12 years of related engineering experience OR Masters of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline plus 10 years of related engineering experience.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience with space vehicle operations or operational development.
• Candidate must have an active SCI at time of application OR
• Candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance (or equivalent) at time of application and prior to start date as well as the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain an active SCI prior to start date. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to the candidate’s maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting rapid‑development satellite programs, from concept through on‑orbit operations.
• Hands‑on experience with space vehicle integration and ground system integration, including test, validation, and operational handover.
• Proven track record leading the technical execution of complex, multi‑disciplinary systems, or mission architectures.
• Experience communicating with customer and user communities, including presenting technical content, status, and risk in a clear, concise manner.
• Willingness to support on-console activation and associated shift work, including nights, weekends, or non-standard hours as mission needs dictate.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector?:

• Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life.
• For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

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.
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Primary Level Salary Range

$177,000.00 - $265,600.00

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 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.