Sr Principal Engineer Systems– Spacecraft Bus Lead

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Dulles
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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, seeks a qualified Systems Engineer to lead development of a spacecraft bus on a new GEO mission. The Lead Bus Engineer will be responsible for managing the ,vehicle bus systems engineering baseline, serving as both a leader and an individual contributor when needed. Duties include: systems/mission analysis and trades, concept of operations (CONOP) development, coordinating vehicle 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. Reporting to the bus Chief Engineer, this leadership level role, will use 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 subcontractors and mission prime is expected. 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 : • Candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related technical field, and 8 years of applicable experience; a Master’s Degree and 6 years of applicable experience; or a PhD a 4 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. • Understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines • Proactive. Works under general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. • Ability to lead a diverse multi-discipline Engineering team. • US Citizenship with ability to get DoD Top Secret Clearance Preferred Qualifications : • Master’s Degree in Engineering • Experience with GEOStar3 Satellite Architecture • Experience in CommSat mission domain • Experience in system architecture & CONOPs development • Experience with Integration & Test, particularly with production line programs • Experience with launch platforms • Experience with space vehicle I&T Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00 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. 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.

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