Northrop Grumman Colorado Springs: missile warning, DARC, and space defense (2026)
Northrop Grumman Colorado Springs: missile warning, DARC, and space defense (2026)
Northrop Grumman has 2,200+ employees across Colorado, with Colorado Springs being a major hub for missile warning, space domain awareness, and ground systems programs that support the U.S. Space Force.
Key programs
Next-Gen OPIR Polar (NGP) — $1.8B Space Force contract (awarded October 2024) to build two missile warning satellites for polar orbit. Manufacturing is underway with first launch targeted for 2026.
DARC (Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability) — The world's most advanced deep-space tracking radar. Site 1 demonstration completed in Western Australia in 2025, integrating multiple antennas to track objects in geosynchronous orbit. Design and systems engineering work is based in Colorado.
SDA Tranche 3 missile tracking — Part of a $3.5B multi-vendor Space Development Agency contract (December 2025) for 18 satellites. Missile tracking and warning constellation.
Highfield Integration Facility — New 100,000 sq ft facility opened in Englewood, CO (June 2025) for tactical edge ground systems supporting space surveillance, missile warning, and satellite operations.
Salary
| Role | Colorado Springs Range |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Staff Engineer | $155,000–$185,000 |
| Systems Engineer | $100,000–$145,000 |
| Program Manager | $120,000–$170,000 |
Locations in Colorado
| Site | Focus |
|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | Missile warning, space ground systems |
| Aurora | Classified programs (near Buckley SFB) |
| Englewood | Highfield facility, tactical ground systems |
| Boulder/Broomfield | Space systems R&D |
Colorado Springs is home to U.S. Space Command, Space Force's Space Operations Command, Schriever and Peterson Space Force Bases, and NORAD/Cheyenne Mountain. This concentration of military space customers makes it a natural home for defense contractors' space and missile defense programs.
Browse Northrop Grumman positions on Zero G Talent, or see our NG careers guide.
