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Space Consulting Communications System Architect (Top Secret)

Northrop Grumman

Posted today

Job Requirements

Gilbert, AZ
Top Secret/SCI Polygraph Unspecified
Career Level not specified
$183,200 - $274,800

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

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 Consulting Systems Engineer in Gilbert, AZ to serve as a Space Communications System Architect on a key Space Superiority program. The Comm Architect will be responsible for designing end-to-end communication systems for satellites, payloads, and ground segments. The Comm Architect will define mission requirements, lead technical trade studies, and ensure system-level performance.

This position is located on-site in Gilbert, AZ with occasional travel to other Northrop Grumman sites.

Responsibilities
  • Design an end-to-end high-performance communication architecture to support program mission needs
  • Create and manage mission-level requirements, Concepts of Operations, and interface control documents for space, ground, and user segments
  • Lead comms trade studies to optimize system cost and performance
  • Lead system-level performance assessments and link budget calculations
  • Ensure compatibility between communication payloads and spacecraft design, as well as integration with ground stations
  • Provide comms technical expertise in guiding engineering teams and supporting business strategy decisions


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 16+ years of professional experience or Master's degree with 14+ years of professional experience or PhD with 12+ years of professional experience
  • Experience in satellite communications, payload engineering, or space system architecture.
  • Experience in systems engineering to include architectural studies, technical baseline definition, requirements & interface management, hardware/software integration, and test planning & execution.
  • Ability to effectively interface with program leadership, functional management, customers, and technical subject matter experts
  • Must have US Citizenship with active or current TS/SCI Clearance at time of application.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Space Superiority missions
  • Active or current TS clearance with ability to obtain SCI.
  • Current or previous SAP access


Primary Level Salary Range: $183,200.00 - $274,800.00

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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About Us
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 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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Job Category
IT - Software
Clearance Level
Top Secret/SCI