Northrop Grumman Building 221: space defense work and jobs in 2026
Building 221 is part of Northrop Grumman's Space Systems campus in Redondo Beach, California — one of the most important classified space facilities in the country. The campus is where some of the nation's most sensitive space defense programs are designed, built, and tested.
What happens at the Redondo Beach campus
Northrop Grumman's Redondo Beach facility is the headquarters of the Space Systems division. Work includes:
- Classified satellite programs — Design and manufacturing of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other IC customers
- Space Development Agency (SDA) satellites — Missile tracking and transport layer constellation satellites
- James Webb Space Telescope — Follow-on instruments and operations support (JWST was built here)
- Missile defense — Space-based sensing and tracking systems
- National security space programs — Programs that cannot be publicly discussed
Most work in Building 221 and adjacent classified facilities requires Top Secret/SCI clearance, and some programs require additional Special Access Program (SAP) access.
Jobs at the Redondo Beach campus
| Role Category | GS/Level Equivalent | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineer | Mid–Senior | $110,000–$180,000 |
| Software Engineer | Mid–Senior | $120,000–$190,000 |
| RF/Payload Engineer | Mid–Senior | $115,000–$175,000 |
| Mission Operations | Mid–Senior | $100,000–$155,000 |
| Integration & Test | Entry–Senior | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Program Manager | Senior | $140,000–$200,000+ |
California's 9.3%+ state income tax and very high cost of living in the South Bay reduce purchasing power compared to Northrop's Dulles VA, Gilbert AZ, or Huntsville AL sites.
Despite the high cost of living, Northrop's Redondo Beach campus attracts top talent because it hosts the most technically challenging space programs in the company. If you want to work on cutting-edge classified satellites, national security space, or JWST follow-on missions, this is where it happens. The technical challenge and mission significance compensate for the California cost of living for many engineers.
Clearance requirements
Most engineering positions at this campus require:
- Minimum: Top Secret clearance
- Typical: TS/SCI
- Some programs: TS/SCI + SAP (Special Access Program) access
Northrop Grumman sponsors clearances for new hires, but the investigation process takes 6–18 months. Having an existing clearance (from military service or prior defense work) significantly accelerates the hiring process.
How to apply
Search northropgrumman.com/careers filtered by "Redondo Beach, CA" or "Space Systems." Most positions explicitly state clearance requirements in the posting. U.S. citizenship is required for all classified work.
Browse Northrop Grumman positions on Zero G Talent, or see our NG careers guide, NG internship guide, and security clearance guide.
