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Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 2 / 3 (OCONUS)

Posted 1 day agoTechnician

Compensation

$69,000–$103,400/year

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Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 75% 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 2 or 3 for deployment to overseas locations.

While this OCONUS ( Outside the Continental U.S.) position reports to the San Diego Field Engineering office, the candidate can be based anywhere in the USA, with no relocation required. However, it requires extensive travel (up to 75%) to classified/restricted, hazardous duty locations, including multi-month overseas deployments. A US home of record is required.

Note: As an international assignee, you will be eligible to receive international assignment benefits, allowances and/or premiums negotiated between Northrop Grumman and the customer which will be communicated to you in advance of your assignment start date and memorialized in an International Assignment Agreement (“IAA”) between you and the Company. 

What You’ll get to Do:

Have an opportunity to travel to sustained operational locations overseas and develop your technical expertise across the engineering spectrum. Be part of our field engineering team that operates and maintains complex tactical communication systems worldwide. You'll also get to:

  • Support flight line by performing preflight system tests and configuring payloads

  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance

  • Perform system and computer maintenance

  • Operate and control data links during operational missions

  • Perform COMSEC Key Management

  • Perform remote control and operations of a communications payload

  • Work closely with the Active Duty/Government customer and collaborate with internal Northrop Grumman engineering teams

This position may be filled as a Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 2 or Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 3.

Basic Qualifications Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 2:

  • Bachelor of Science degree 2+ years’ experience; an additional 4 years experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Strong knowledge, understanding & experience with operating Military radios or communications systems.

  • Strong knowledge, understanding & experience with operating Link 16 and SADL network equipment.

  • Experience handling COMSEC materials, following security guidance/procedures, and operating the Simple Key Loader (SKL).

  • Must pass a physical health assessment and meet the minimal standards of fitness in alignment with AFCENT requirements.

  • Candidate will be required to perform physically demanding work, to include working in austere, restricted access spaces on US Military installations, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, up to 12 hours per day.

  • Must be willing and able to travel up to 75% (some travel to hazardous deployment areas) and multi-month overseas deployments.

  • U.S. Citizenship and a current / active DoD Secret level clearance required.

Basic Qualifications Payload Operator Field Engineer Level 3:

  • Bachelor of Science degree 5+ years’ experience; an additional 4 years experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Strong knowledge, understanding & experience with operating Military radios or communications systems.

  • Strong knowledge, understanding & experience with operating Link 16 and SADL network equipment.

  • Experience handling COMSEC materials, following security guidance/procedures, and operating the Simple Key Loader (SKL).

  • Must pass a physical health assessment and meet the minimal standards of fitness in alignment with AFCENT requirements.

  • Candidate will be required to perform physically demanding work, to include working in austere, restricted access spaces on US Military installations, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, up to 12 hours per day.

  • Must be willing and able to travel up to 75% (some travel to hazardous deployment areas) and multi-month overseas deployments.

  • U.S. Citizenship and a current / active DoD Secret level clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience capturing and reporting operational metrics.

  • Progression in Joint Interoperability & Data Link Training Center (JID-TC) training pipeline (JT-101 thru JDNO).

  • Broad experience with the operation, configuration, and maintenance of military communications systems and radios. 

  • Knowledge with military tactical data links (JREAP-C), radios operations (load, program, and troubleshoot), and RF theory.

  • Knowledge of VMF, SAT-J and/or JREAP.

  • Experience with operating radio equipment (PRC-117, MIDS JTRS) and general RF knowledge.

  • Experience with military aircraft operations.

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,000.00 - $103,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $85,600.00 - $128,400.00

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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Job Details

Category
Technician
Employment Type
Full time
Location
Abroad
Posted
Jan 19, 2026, 07:00 PM
Listed
Jan 20, 2026, 01:30 PM
Compensation
$69,000 - $103,400 per year

About Northrop Grumman

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