# Space Principal/ Sr. Principal Launch and Operations Systems Engineer** **Company:** [Northrop Grumman](https://zerogtalent.com/space-companies/northrop-grumman) **Location:** Rolling Meadows, IL **Work mode:** On-site **Seniority:** Senior **Employment type:** Full Time **Salary:** USD 109K–204K/yr **Category:** Engineering **Listed:** 2026-11-10 [View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/space-principal-sr-principal-launch-and-operations-systems-engineer-R10259963) ## What you'll do - Define and refine mission execution concepts - Develop CONOPS and mission employment approaches - Translate CONOPS into procedures, checklists, and playbooks - Support operational rehearsals, simulations, and mission demonstrations - Document system operations and hardware/software behaviors ## What you need - Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI access - BS degree in engineering, physics, or related technical field - 5+ yrs systems engineering experience or advanced degree equivalent - Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or PERL - Experience with space/ground system integration, test, or operations ## Job description RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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. 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. The **Mission and Payload Programs** organization within the **Northrop Grumman Space Systems** pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission! Candidates may be hired as a **Principal Systems Engineer (level 3)** or a **Senior Principal Systems Engineer (level 4)** based on their qualifications.  This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at **Rolling Meadows, IL**. **What you’ll get to do:** - Help define and refine how a unique mission set is executed in partnership with the lead and broader team. - Develop concepts of operations (CONOPS) and contribute to the refinement of complex mission employment approaches. - Translate CONOPS into detailed procedures, checklists, and playbooks for day‑to‑day operations. - Contribute to the design, testing, and improvement of tools, products, and processes that enable successful mission operations. - Participate in planning and execution of operational rehearsals, simulations, and mission demonstrations. - Support a culture of knowledge sharing by creating and maintaining documentation of system operations, hardware configurations, and software behaviors. - Demonstrate a strong commitment to ethics and integrity while proposing innovative ideas and improvements to existing practices. - Work as an effective member of a high‑performing team, being self‑motivated and able to execute under general direction while independently developing approaches to assigned tasks. - Support travel up to 50%, no more than 2 weeks at a time. **Basic Qualifications:**  - **Principal Systems Engineer**: BS + 5 years of experience: MS + 3 years of exp; PhD + 0 years of experience - **Senior Principal Systems Engineer**: BS + 8 years of experience; MS + 6 years of experience; PhD + 3 years of experience - BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related technical degree. - Proficiency in analytical data tools and programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or PERL - Experience with space/ground system integration, test, or operations - **Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.** **Preferred Qualifications:**  - Experience in leading integration of ground software to spacecraft operations end users - Ability to script operational products and automate routine tasks (e.g., using Python, shell scripting, or similar tools). - Experience developing simple tools, dashboards, or utilities to support mission planning, execution, or data analysis. - Demonstrated ability to clearly document procedures and system behaviors for use by operators and cross‑functional teams. - Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. - Willingness to support on-console activation and associated shift work, including nights, weekends, or non-standard hours as mission needs dictate. #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSysEngJobs #SPEnhancedERAP #RollingMdwSpace Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 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. ## Other open roles at Northrop Grumman - [Quality Control Technician 2(2nd Shift)](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/quality-control-technician-2-2nd-shift-R10260002) — Rocket Center, WV - [Engineer Propulsion Level 3/4](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/engineer-propulsion-level-3-4-R10259900) — Rocket Center, WV - [Principal/Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer Mission Architect*](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/principal-senior-principal-space-systems-engineer-mission-architect-R10259773) — Chantilly, VA - [Principal/Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer Software Test*](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/principal-senior-principal-space-systems-engineer-software-test-R10259780) — Chantilly, VA - [Principal/Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer Interface Management*](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/northrop-grumman/principal-senior-principal-space-systems-engineer-interface-management-R10259777) — Chantilly, VA --- *Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*