> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4670969-principal-senior-principal-space-systems-engineer-software-test](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4670969-principal-senior-principal-space-systems-engineer-software-test). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal/Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer Software Test* - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $114,000 - $171,000 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Architecture, System Testing, Systems Integration, Modeling and Simulation - **Published:** November 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9307623/principalsenior-principal-space-systems-engineer-software-test ## About the Role * Level 3: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience or Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience or PhD with 1 year of professional experience * Level 4: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience or Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience or PhD with 4 years of professional experience * Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application * Demonstrated experience supporting the development of a space or ground system * Demonstrated Systems Engineering experience (e.g., requirements management, system architecture development, CONOPs development, mission engineering, modeling and simulation), * Experience testing complex software-intensive systems, with emphasis on mission-thread or Day-In-The-Life testing for space or aerospace/defense programs. * Working knowledge of space satellite mission planning and operations, including familiarity with mission timelines, command and control, and ground system workflows. * Proficiency with system test methodologies and tools (e.g., automated test frameworks, log/telemetry analysis, defect tracking), including experience monitoring system stability and scalability under operationally realistic loads. * Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional test events, synthesize complex results into clear briefings, and drive SOW/test requirements to closure with stakeholders. * Experience developing technical briefings and communicating complex engineering information to senior technical, program, customer, or executive stakeholders. * Experience collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues and develop integrated spacecraft or mission solutions. * Experience in Space Superiority mission design, satellite ground software, distributed modeling & simulation. * Mission system requirements, verification/validation planning, mission planning/execution, mission analysis, modeling/simulation, system trade studies. #NoVASpace #SpaceSysEngJobs #SpaceEngJobs #SPEnhancedERAP ## Description Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chantilly, Virginia, is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join the rapidly growing Space Superiority Division. You'll join a cross-disciplinary team that develops, integrates, tests, and delivers advanced spacecraft and mission systems for space security missions. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience or demonstrated technical depth in spacecraft engineering, space mission design, mission analysis, or mission operations and apply that expertise to complex, operationally focused space missions. This team's work is backed by hands-on operational experience and a proven on-orbit track record. Northrop Grumman leads the industry in advanced space mission capabilities, and joining this team means working alongside the people who helped make that true. As a Space Systems Engineer, you'll help shape the spacecraft and mission across the full lifecycle-from mission architecture and concept development through detailed analysis, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit execution. You'll solve challenging problems involving spacecraft performance, mission design, on-orbit operations, and system integration while helping deliver resilient capabilities for demanding and dynamic operational environments. Primary responsibilities may include: * Lead Day-In-The-Life (DITL) system test readiness and execution events, ensuring end-to-end mission scenarios are validated. * Develop, document, and maintain detailed system test plans, procedures, and test configurations aligned to statement-of-work (SOW) requirements and program milestones. * Execute DITL and system test events, monitor and report system behavior and stability, and proactively escalate issues related to system scalability, performance, and mission risk. * Prepare and present test results, technical reviews, and briefing materials for working groups, technical reviews, and program status forums, driving closure of test-related actions and requirements. * Developing and managing mission, system, and subsystem requirements, including decomposition, allocation, traceability, verification, and validation. * Defining and managing internal and external interfaces among spacecraft, payloads, host vehicles, sensor suites, ground systems, and mission partners. * Supporting major program milestones, technical reviews, and mission-readiness reviews by developing technical content and translating complex engineering information into clear assessments and briefings for customers, program leadership, and other key stakeholders. * Authoring and contributing to mission-engineering products, systems engineering artifacts, technical reports, and other critical program deliverables. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time determined by the company.