Principal Engineer Satellite Systems

$95,300 - $142,900/Yr

Northrop Grumman - Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND

Full-time - Principal

Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Engineer Satellite Systems role at Northrop Grumman involves providing mission operations support for a constellation of satellites, ensuring their health and status, and collaborating with various engineering teams to resolve anomalies and improve operational procedures. This position requires a strong technical background in aerospace or related fields, along with the ability to work in a dynamic, 24/7 environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide mission operations support to a constellation of satellites.
• Monitor health and status of each spacecraft in the constellation and perform telemetry trending.
• Conduct anomaly review board investigations with systems and software engineers as necessary.
• Modify existing operations procedures based on lessons learned from in-flight performance and develop new procedures as required.
• Support system maintenance activities including procedure updates and software updates.
• Conduct testing using simulators and debug on-orbit and ground issues with a diverse group of engineers.
• Track space vehicle configuration, including hardware and software.
• Collaborate with mission planners for manual and automated mission planning during different operational phases.
• Support constellation-level operations, including shift work involving 12-hour and night shifts.
• Prioritize tasks and lead teammates in resolving issues.
• Coordinate operations with teams located in multiple sites.

Requirements

• BS in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent with 5+ years of related experience; MS with 3+ years; PhD with 0+ years; or 9+ years of space systems engineering experience may substitute for a degree.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with external partners to determine root causes of anomalies.
• Ability to make difficult decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Willingness and ability to support a 24/7 environment with shift work.
• SECRET Level Clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior experience conducting on-orbit mission operations and resolving satellite and ground system anomalies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot software systems.
• Experience with at least one spacecraft subsystem (ADCS, TT&C, Comms, EPS, Thermal, FSW).
• Experience in satellite ground system maintenance.
• Experience in ground systems hardware and software administration.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret Level Clearance.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available.