# NG El Segundo 2026: Space Park, JWST & Jobs

**Author:** Zero G Talent
**Published:** 2026-02-28
**Category:** career-guides
**Tags:** northrop-grumman, defense, space, california, satellite

[Read on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/blog/northrop-grumman-el-segundo-ca-2026)

---

# Northrop Grumman El Segundo, CA in 2026

<div class="blog-stats">
  <div class="blog-stat">
    <div class="blog-stat-value">South Bay</div>
    <div class="blog-stat-label">Campus Complex</div>
  </div>
  <div class="blog-stat">
    <div class="blog-stat-value">Space Systems</div>
    <div class="blog-stat-label">Primary Division</div>
  </div>
  <div class="blog-stat">
    <div class="blog-stat-value">JWST Heritage</div>
    <div class="blog-stat-label">Notable Program</div>
  </div>
</div>

Northrop Grumman's El Segundo site is part of the broader South Bay complex spanning Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo — one of the largest aerospace campuses in the world. Space Park in Redondo Beach (100+ acres, established 1961) is directly adjacent.

## Key programs

- **James Webb Space Telescope** — Assembled and tested at Space Park (NG was prime contractor)
- **B-21 Raider** — Engineering and management support (primary production is in Palmdale)
- **Classified military satellites** — NRO and Space Force programs
- **SDA constellation satellites** — Missile tracking and transport layer
- **Missile defense systems** — Space-based sensing

The Space Systems sector employs roughly 33,000 globally (one-third of NG's ~100,000 total workforce). A significant portion of that workforce is in the South Bay complex.

## Salary

| Role | El Segundo Range |
|------|-----------------|
| Systems Engineer | $130,000–$150,000 |
| Software Engineer | $89,000–$144,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $80,000–$189,000 |
| Engineer (average) | ~$125,000 |

California's 9.3%+ state income tax and very high South Bay housing costs reduce purchasing power significantly compared to NG's Virginia, Arizona, or Alabama sites. 9/80 schedules and telework options are available.

Browse [Northrop Grumman positions on Zero G Talent](/space-jobs-at-northrop-grumman), or see our [NG Redondo Beach guide](/blog/northrop-grumman-bldg-221-2026) and [NG careers overview](/blog/northrop-grumman-careers-2026).


---
*Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*