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Sr Principal Mission Architect Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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's Space Sector is seeking a Mission Architect Engineer - Level 4 to join our team in Colorado Springs, CO.     
In this job, you will:

• Support On-Orbit Test activities including mission planning, scenario development, dry-run/rehearsal and test execution.
• Work closely with vendors, cognizant engineers, subject matter experts, orbital analysists, and systems engineers to ensure overall test plan is realistic, achievable, and meets customer intent.
• Support/lead analysis on test feasibility while considering limits, constraints, estimated fuel usage, vehicle capabilities - while also incorporating overall test community objectives
• Support on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities as either Test Director, Test Specialist, or other necessary position
• Conduct testing using simulators and assist in resolving any discrepancies
• Support planning and execution of various stakeholder meetings including test plan working groups, review boards, readiness reviews, and technical exchange meetings.
• Work CDRL development/review for test plans, test procedures, and test reports
• 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.
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.   
• Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
• Must have experience running physics-based simulations and post-processing results
• Strong background in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics.  Knowledge of fundamental numerical propagators and force models for earth-orbiting space vehicles
• Understanding of relative motion problems and mission planning for RPO missions
• Experience using COTS astrodynamics analysis tools (FreeFlyer preferred)
• Familiarity with GNC algorithms for satellites
• Understanding of navigation filters and image processing techniques/algorithms
• Knowledge and experience in satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution
• Have firm knowledge/previous experience with rendezvous and proximity operations, reference frames, orbital/advanced orbital mechanics, astrodynamics in order to perform mission/test planning with limited oversight
 Preferred Qualifications:  

• Proficient in Python and/or MATLAB.  C or C++ would be preferred
• Prior aerospace-related work experience for a U.S Government Agency or Contractor
• Extensive comprehension of different astrodynamics coordinate frames such as ECI and RIC
• Background/fundamental understanding of performing statistical analysis
• Previous experience supporting mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities.
• Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
  
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
[https://www.northropgrumman.com/space](https://www.northropgrumman.com/space)
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](https://totalrewards.northropgrumman.com/?_gl=11y2u5rc_gcl_auMTkyMjcyNDUxNS4xNzUyNTg4MDg3_gaMzA4NDM5NjgzLjE2NzM5ODM3ODg._ga_7YV3CDX0R2*czE3NTMyNzU3NDgkbzEyMzckZzEkdDE3NTMyNzY2ODQkajU5JGwwJGgw) 
#COSPACE
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.PDN-a0723bee-553f-413f-837b-f7085216a5cc
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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's Space Sector is seeking a Mission Architect Engineer - Level 4 to join our team in Colorado Springs, CO.     
In this job, you will:

• Support On-Orbit Test activities including mission planning, scenario development, dry-run/rehearsal and test execution.
• Work closely with vendors, cognizant engineers, subject matter experts, orbital analysists, and systems engineers to ensure overall test plan is realistic, achievable, and meets customer intent.
• Support/lead analysis on test feasibility while considering limits, constraints, estimated fuel usage, vehicle capabilities - while also incorporating overall test community objectives
• Support on-console operations during On-Orbit Test activities as either Test Director, Test Specialist, or other necessary position
• Conduct testing using simulators and assist in resolving any discrepancies
• Support planning and execution of various stakeholder meetings including test plan working groups, review boards, readiness reviews, and technical exchange meetings.
• Work CDRL development/review for test plans, test procedures, and test reports
• 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.
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.   
• Requires an active U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
• Must have experience running physics-based simulations and post-processing results
• Strong background in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics.  Knowledge of fundamental numerical propagators and force models for earth-orbiting space vehicles
• Understanding of relative motion problems and mission planning for RPO missions
• Experience using COTS astrodynamics analysis tools (FreeFlyer preferred)
• Familiarity with GNC algorithms for satellites
• Understanding of navigation filters and image processing techniques/algorithms
• Knowledge and experience in satellite operations engineering disciplines to include attitude control, power management, thermal control, propulsion, command and data handling, flight and ground software, and anomaly determination and resolution
• Have firm knowledge/previous experience with rendezvous and proximity operations, reference frames, orbital/advanced orbital mechanics, astrodynamics in order to perform mission/test planning with limited oversight
 Preferred Qualifications:  

• Proficient in Python and/or MATLAB.  C or C++ would be preferred
• Prior aerospace-related work experience for a U.S Government Agency or Contractor
• Extensive comprehension of different astrodynamics coordinate frames such as ECI and RIC
• Background/fundamental understanding of performing statistical analysis
• Previous experience supporting mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities.
• Previous experience with troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and performing analysis on operational systems
  
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
[https://www.northropgrumman.com/space](https://www.northropgrumman.com/space)
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](https://totalrewards.northropgrumman.com/?_gl=11y2u5rc_gcl_auMTkyMjcyNDUxNS4xNzUyNTg4MDg3_gaMzA4NDM5NjgzLjE2NzM5ODM3ODg._ga_7YV3CDX0R2*czE3NTMyNzU3NDgkbzEyMzckZzEkdDE3NTMyNzY2ODQkajU5JGwwJGgw) 
#COSPACE
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.PDN-a0723bee-553f-413f-837b-f7085216a5cc

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip out customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our nearly 100,000 employees contribute to launching the technology of tomorrow, today.

© 2025 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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Sr Principal Mission Architect Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Colorado Springs, CO
Nov 26, 2025
$129,300 - $193,900 a year
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